Legislation is set to be swiftly introduced to South Australia’s parliament aimed at imposing controls on Mark Ray Haydon, an accomplice in the infamous Snowtown murders, ahead of his anticipated release from prison.
Haydon is among four individuals who were incarcerated for their involvement in the Snowtown murders, a series of gruesome killings also referred to as the “bodies-in-the-barrels” serial murders.
Expected to be freed in May after serving 25 years behind bars for his role in assisting the murderers in concealing the crimes, the 65-year-old’s impending release has prompted urgent government action.
The proposed legislative changes, slated for introduction to parliament on Tuesday, seek to expand the definition of serious and high-risk offenders to encompass individuals involved in aiding murders and sexual offenses, as well as those involved in their cover-up.
This development comes on the heels of tomorrow’s parole hearing for Haydon, who is not automatically classified as a high-risk offender under current laws.
Simultaneously, Attorney-General Kyam Maher has petitioned the Supreme Court to place Haydon under an extended supervision order, potentially imposing restrictions on his residence and activities.
“Mark Haydon was convicted in relation to some of the most horrific crimes this state’s ever seen,” remarked Mr. Maher. “It’s the government’s position that Mr. Haydon falls within the definition of a high-risk offender.”
Emphasizing the gravity of Haydon’s involvement, Mr. Maher has already directed government legal representatives to pursue an extended supervision order, citing Haydon’s conviction for aiding in the cover-up of seven victims’ deaths.
Addressing concerns raised by legal experts, the absence of a high-risk designation for Haydon could render authorities powerless to prevent his unrestricted release at the conclusion of his sentence.
The Snowtown murders, perpetrated by John Justin Bunting, Robert Joe Wagner, and James Spyridon Vlassakis, gained infamy for the heinous methods employed to kill victims and dispose of their remains.
Premier Peter Malinauskas underscored the urgency of the proposed legislative amendment, highlighting its approval by the cabinet and intent for prompt introduction to parliament.
“We are very clear, in our view as a state government, that those people who are convicted of serious crimes, particularly relating to people who assist murders post the fact, should be subject to extended supervision orders,” Mr. Malinauskas asserted.
He stressed the need for swift parliamentary action, signaling the government’s commitment to enhancing controls over individuals like Haydon deemed high-risk offenders.
If granted, an extended supervision order could entail various measures, including electronic monitoring and curfews, offering enhanced oversight over Haydon’s activities upon release.
Echoing Mr. Malinauskas’s sentiments, Attorney-General Maher characterized Haydon’s case as exposing a legal loophole warranting closure.
“It’s shone on a spotlight on what we think is a gap in the law,” remarked Mr. Maher. “If you assist during or before a crime at the moment, you’re captured by the definitions in the High-Risk Offenders Act and could be subject to the High-Risk Offenders Act automatically.”
He continued, “But if you assist afterwards, you don’t get that automatic deeming in the high-risk offenders regime, and we think that’s a gap.”