Convicted Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis has been granted parole after spending more than two decades in prison.
Vlassakis, who was the youngest of four men involved in South Australia’s notorious “bodies-in-the-barrels” killings between 1992 and 1999, was also the key witness in the prosecution of ringleaders John Bunting and Robert Wagner.
Both Bunting and Wagner are serving life sentences with no possibility of parole.
According to the ABC, the South Australian Parole Board announced its decision on Tuesday, confirming that Vlassakis, now in his 40s, has been deemed eligible for conditional release.
However, his release will not be immediate. Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said a 60-day review period is now in effect, during which the state’s Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, and the Police Commissioner may choose to appeal the decision.
If no appeal is made, Vlassakis will be moved to a pre-release centre for up to 12 months.
“We’ve had a look at the legislative criteria and, in our view, he meets the criteria,” Nelson said.
“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.”
Vlassakis, whose image remains suppressed, was 19 when he committed the crimes and was found guilty of being involved in four of the murders.
He had a life sentence but because he had helped authorities, he was given a 26-year non-parole period.
Vlassakis became involved in the serial killings through his stepfather Bunting, who lived with him and his mother in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
This is an unfolding story in which Neos Kosmos will provide updates when available.
