Latest news with #serialkillings
ABC News
3 days ago
- ABC News
Snowtown serial killer James Vlassakis has been granted parole. Here's what we know
The Snowtown serial killings are one of Australia's most notorious and horrific crimes. In May 1999, police made the chilling discovery of human remains hidden in an old bank vault in the South Australian regional town. The youngest perpetrator James Spyridon Vlassakis was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2002, with a non-parole period of 26 years backdated to when he was taken into custody. That term has now expired, and while he has not yet been released into the community, Vlassakis was on Tuesday approved for parole. Here's a look at Vlassakis's involvement in the crimes, and what will happen now. Vlassakis was the youngest of the four perpetrators involved in the "bodies-in-the-barrels" serial killings. Twelve deaths between 1992 and 1999 were linked to the crime, 11 of which were later deemed to have been murders. Vlassakis pleaded guilty to four of the murders. Now aged in his mid-40s, Vlassakis was 18 when, in 1998, he took part in the murder of his half-brother Troy Youde — a crime he committed at the behest of his stepfather and Snowtown ringleader John Bunting. Vlassakis later took part in the murders of Fred Brooks, Gary O'Dwyer and David Johnson. The remains of all four of those victims were found at Snowtown. Vlassakis was sentenced in 2002 to life imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 26 years from June 2, 1999, when he was taken into custody. Because he helped convict his three co-accused by giving evidence against them, his image was — and remains — suppressed to protect him. On Tuesday, Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said Vlassakis would not be able to change his name, following his release, unless he had the permission from the chief executive of the Department of Correctional Services. "I very much doubt he would get that permission," she said. Vlassakis became involved in the serial killings through Bunting, who lived with him and his mother in Adelaide's northern suburbs. Ms Nelson said Bunting had Vlassakis in his "thrall". "He was drawn into Bunting's behaviour," she said. "He was terrified of Bunting and Bunting took the place of the man of the house when he was 14 years of age and vulnerable. "I can understand why he was drawn into this man's thrall — he wouldn't be the first one to say he was terrified of Bunting." Vlassakis's role and involvement were detailed in the Snowtown murders movie, which was told from his perspective. The majority of the victims were either family or friends of the four men involved. Vlassakis was the key witness in the prosecution case against killers John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who were convicted of 11 and 10 murders respectively. Unlike Bunting and Wagner, who are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole, Vlassakis was given a non-parole period. "If it had not been for your plea of guilty, your extensive cooperation with the police and your undertaking to give evidence for the prosecution in the forthcoming trial, I would have imposed a non-parole period of 42 years," Justice Kevin Duggan said in his 2002 sentencing remarks. "I am satisfied that you have given extensive assistance to the police in this matter and I take into account your undertaking to give evidence. "Your confinement is likely to be much more restrictive than would otherwise be the case." Ms Nelson said Vlassakis met the legislative criteria for parole, and was "genuinely remorseful". "We have to look at whether or not he presents a risk to the community and in our assessment he does not," she said. "His institutional behaviour has been excellent. "Don't forget he has done it hard in prison, because he gave evidence against Bunting and Wagner." Wagner has tried and failed to have a parole date set to secure the prospect of release. Bunting has not made any application but has appeared before the parole board. The fourth man involved as an accomplice, Mark Ray Haydon, was convicted of seven counts of assisting an offender, for storing bodies at his home north of Adelaide and for helping to move them. He was released into the community last year after serving a 25-year sentence. That is unclear. According to the parole board chair, there is now a 60-day period during which several state authorities could seek a review of the parole board's decision. But Ms Nelson said that even if such a review were not sought, Vlassakis "wouldn't be released directly into the community". "There'll be a very careful re-socialisation program introduced for him," she said. There are three authorities with the power to challenge Vlassakis's parole: the SA Police Commissioner, the Commissioner for Victims' Rights and the Attorney-General. The first has indicated he will consider the matter once he has had a chance to examine the parole board's reasons. "I haven't seen the basis for the decision of the parole board at this stage … and we'll have a look at how that aligns to any prior advice that we've given to the parole board," Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said. The victims' commissioner and Attorney-General have not confirmed whether they would seek a review, with both saying there was "strict confidentiality" around that process. But former SA Director of Public Prosecutions turned political candidate Stephen Pallaras has poured scorn on the decision to grant parole. "I'm astonished they would even consider parole. This man was convicted in relation to four murders," he said. "The reliance on the fact that the prisoner has behaved himself is absolute nonsense — that is what they are meant to do in jail." The parole board chair said Vlassakis would remain on parole for the rest of his life, and would be subject to various restrictions. "The last thing he wants to do is inadvertently to run into one of the victims' families, so there are quite a number of places he can't go," Ms Nelson said. Ronald Lane, the nephew of one of the Snowtown victims, said he was angry and saddened by the decision, and he would like to see a review. "I think they're [the parole board are] a complete fool to be honest — I mean this guy has done some terrible murders and killed four innocent people," he said. "I'm feeling absolutely disgusted — I'm mad and upset about the whole thing." The Commissioner for Victims' Rights, Sarah Quick, told ABC News Breakfast there had been a range of responses from the loved ones of the Snowtown victims. "Some victims feel a real sense of injustice about this decision while others have been anticipating this outcome and really are more resigned," she said. "Certainly knowing that [Vlassakis] is subject to conditions for the rest of his life does bring them some sense of security."
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Serial killer linked to one of Australia's most notorious crime sagas WALKS FREE from jail after 26 years
The youngest of the four men convicted over South Australia 's 'bodies in the barrels' serial killings has been granted parole. James Vlassakis has spent 26 years behind bars after being found guilty of being involved in four of the 11 murders between 1992 and 1999. At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, SA's parole board approved his application to serve the remainder of his life sentence under conditions in the community. Parole Board chief Frances Nelson told AAP that Vlassakis 'does not represent a risk to the community' and would be sent to the Adelaide pre-release centre for up to 12 months and undergo a resocialisation process. Vlassakis was 19 when he committed the crimes and was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 26 years, which expires in August 2025. Ms Nelson said she was 'sure that the victims feel he has been insufficiently punished'. 'That's quite common for victims to feel that way, but that's not our role,' she said. 'Sentencing and punishment is a matter for a judge, not for a parole board, and the legislation prevents us from imposing our own view on sentence, so our role is simply to assess whether he fulfils the legislative criteria for parole.' Snowtown murders accomplice Mark Ray Haydon, 66, was released on parole in May 2024 to live in the community under strict supervision. Vlassakis was also a key prosecution witness against John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who were found guilty of 11 and 10 murders respectively. Both are serving life sentences with no chance of parole. Vlassakis would be moved to the pre-release centre 'provided there is no request to review our decision', Ms Nelson said. 'There is a 60-day period which would enable either the attorney general or the commissioner for victims rights or the police commissioner to apply for a review,' she said. Commissioner for Victims Rights Sarah Quick told AAP the decision would 'understandably bring fresh pain and anger to those who have already suffered beyond measure'. 'These individuals are not only worn down by their trauma, but also by the ongoing criminal justice processes,' she said. 'The prospect of Mr Vlassakis re-entering the community is a difficult reality for the victims and will require a significant emotional adjustment, adding to an already unbearable burden. 'We must never forget that - for the friends, family and loved ones of murder victims - the impact of the killing does not end simply because a prison term has ended. It is something they live with every day for the rest of their lives.' A suppression order on images of Vlassakis remains in effect, and there has been a high level of secrecy regarding his imprisonment. In July, Haydon appeared in the SA Supreme Court, where an application for an extended supervision order for a high-risk offender was approved, and most of the conditions of an interim order imposed in 2024 were confirmed.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- The Guardian
Snowtown murderer granted parole after decades in jail for South Australia's ‘bodies in the barrels' serial killings
The youngest of the four men convicted over South Australia's 'bodies in the barrels' serial killings has been granted parole. James Vlassakis has spent 26 years behind bars after being found guilty of being involved in four of the 11 murders between 1992 and 1999. At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, SA's parole board approved his application to serve the remainder of his life sentence under conditions in the community. Parole board chief Frances Nelson told AAP that Vlassakis 'does not represent a risk to the community' and would be sent to the Adelaide pre-release centre for up to 12 months and undergo a resocialisation process. Vlassakis was 19 when he committed the crimes and was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 26 years, which expires in August 2025. Sign up: AU Breaking News email Nelson said she was 'sure that the victims feel he has been insufficiently punished'. 'That's quite common for victims to feel that way, but that's not our role,' she said. 'Sentencing and punishment is a matter for a judge, not for a parole board, and the legislation prevents us from imposing our own view on sentence, so our role is simply to assess whether he fulfils the legislative criteria for parole.' Snowtown murders accomplice Mark Ray Haydon, 66, was released on parole in May 2024 to live in the community under strict supervision. Vlassakis was also a key prosecution witness against John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who were found guilty of 11 and 10 murders respectively. Both are serving life sentences with no chance of parole. Vlassakis would be moved to the pre-release centre 'provided there is no request to review our decision', Nelson said. 'There is a 60-day period which would enable either the attorney general or the commissioner for victims rights or the police commissioner to apply for a review,' she said. Commissioner for Victims Rights Sarah Quick told AAP the decision would 'understandably bring fresh pain and anger to those who have already suffered beyond measure'. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion 'These individuals are not only worn down by their trauma, but also by the ongoing criminal justice processes,' she said. 'The prospect of Mr Vlassakis re-entering the community is a difficult reality for the victims and will require a significant emotional adjustment, adding to an already unbearable burden. 'We must never forget that – for the friends, family and loved ones of murder victims – the impact of the killing does not end simply because a prison term has ended. It is something they live with every day for the rest of their lives.' A suppression order on images of Vlassakis remains in effect, and there has been a high level of secrecy regarding his imprisonment. In July, Haydon appeared in the SA supreme court, where an application for an extended supervision order for a high-risk offender was approved, and most of the conditions of an interim order imposed in 2024 were confirmed. He spent 25 years in jail for his role as an accessory in the murder spree.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- RNZ News
Australia's Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis granted parole after 26 years in jail
Eight bodies were found in acid-filled barrels in a disused bank vault at Snowtown in May 1999. Photo: ABC / Che Chorley Convicted Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis has been granted parole after serving 26 years in jail. Vlassakis was the youngest of the four perpetrators involved in South Australia's (SA) "bodies-in-the-barrels" serial killings between 1992 and 1999. He was also the key prosecution witness against killers John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who are serving life sentences without the prospect of parole. The South Australian Parole Board announced its decision on Tuesday afternoon, but Vlassakis won't be immediately released into the community. Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said there is a 60-day period during which the SA Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Victims' Rights and Police Commissioner could appeal. "He would then go to the pre-release centre for up to 12 months," she said. "We've had a look at the legislative criteria and, in our view, he meets the criteria. "We have to look at whether or not he presents a risk to the community and in our assessment he does not. His institutional behaviour has been excellent." SA Parole Board Chair Frances Nelson KC said she thinks Vlassakis is 'genuinely remorseful' and that his 'institutional behaviour has been excellent'. Photo: ABC News Ms Nelson said she believed Vlassakis was "genuinely remorseful". "Don't forget he has done it hard in prison, because he gave evidence against Bunting and Wagner," she said. She said while she understood while families and victims opposed his release, it was not the role of the parole board to decide on punishment. "Many victims have the view that someone hasn't really got a long enough sentence and they shouldn't be released, but that isn't a matter that should even feature for the parole board - it would usurp the function of the courts," she said. "The court does not have to set out a non-parole period but they did in his case, and they set a much reduced non-parole period for reasons which are set out in the sentencing remarks." Ms Nelson outlined strict restrictions which Vlassakis would be required to adhere to. "There will be some geographic exclusion zones which the victims have requested, there would be condition that he's not to contact any of the victims - not that I think for a moment that he would, but that does give them some reassurance," she said. "He would [also] have to obey the rules of the pre-release centre which includes a curfew." In May 1999, SA Police discovered the decomposing remains of several victims in six plastic barrels hidden in an old bank vault at Snowtown. Nearly all the murder victims were friends or family of the perpetrators. Vlassakis, whose image remains suppressed and who is now aged in his mid-40s, was 19 when he committed the crimes and was found guilty of being involved in four of the murders. He was jailed for life, but because he had helped authorities, he was given a 26-year non-parole period. Eight bodies were found in acid-filled barrels in a disused bank vault at Snowtown in May 1999. Photo: ABC / Che Chorley He became involved in the serial killings through his stepfather Bunting, who lived with him and his mother in Adelaide's northern suburbs. Co-accused Bunting and Wagner were jailed for 11 and 10 murders respectively, as well as accomplice Mark Ray Haydon, who was released into the community last year after serving a 25-year sentence. Nelson said last year that neither Bunting nor Wagner had shown any contrition for their crimes, and she added that they were "obviously very unpleasant people". "I don't get the impression that either of them is particularly remorseful for what they did," she said. - ABC
ABC News
4 days ago
- ABC News
Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis granted parole after 26 years in jail
Convicted Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis has been granted parole after serving 26 years in jail. Vlassakis was the youngest of the four perpetrators involved in South Australia's "bodies-in-the-barrels" serial killings between 1992 and 1999. He was also the key prosecution witness against killers John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who are serving life sentences without the prospect of parole. The South Australian Parole Board announced its decision on Tuesday afternoon, but Vlassakis won't be immediately released into the community. Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said there is a 60-day period during which the SA Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Victims' Rights and Police Commissioner could appeal. "He would then go to the pre-release centre for up to 12 months," she said. "We've had a look at the legislative criteria and, in our view, he meets the criteria."
