James Vlassakis, the youngest of South Australia’s Snowtown killers, could find out as early as tomorrow if he’ll soon be released from prison on parole.
Vlassakis, who was convicted for his role in four of the 11 murders committed in the 1990s, was 19 years old at the time of the offences.
His image has since been suppressed to protect him in prison because he helped convict killers John Bunting and Robert Wagner, and becoming a witness meant Vlassakis was set a 26-year non-parole period, which has now expired.
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He has now made a parole application.
It is understood authorities are pleased with Vlassakis’ behaviour in prison, and he has been transferred to a low-security prison.
Mark Haydon, another accomplice in the Snowtown murders, was released into the community last year after serving 25 years in prison.
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A decision on Vlassakis’ application is expected tomorrow, although a delay is possible, with the parole board’s meeting set to extend into the evening.
Should parole be granted, Vlassakis will not be immediately released, as the police commissioner, attorney-general and victims’ rights commissioner have a 60-day period to launch a review.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
