ADELAIDE, Australia – Mark Ray Haydon, one of four men convicted over the notorious “bodies-in-the-barrels murders” in South Australia, could potentially be released from prison without any restrictions or supervision within the upcoming months.
In May, Haydon will have completed his 25-year sentence for helping cover up the horrific Snowtown killings in May 1999, described as Australia’s worst serial killings. Even though Haydon was not convicted of murder, he was found guilty of concealing the deaths of seven victims, including that of his wife. The gruesome acts were committed by John Justin Bunting, Robert Joe Wagner, and James Spyridon Vlassakis, who were convicted for the killings.
While Haydon’s impending release has caused distress for the relatives and friends of the victims, legal experts have pointed out that there are currently no laws in place to keep him behind bars once his sentence is completed. Unlike murderers in South Australia, Haydon’s 25-year sentence exceeded the minimum 20-year non-parole period, indicating the seriousness with which the court viewed his offense of “assist offender.”
The state government is seeking legal advice on the situation, but as it stands, there is a possibility that Haydon’s release may not be preventable. Although he has become eligible for parole, his first application was refused in 2017. However, an active application made in 2021 could potentially result in his release even sooner than May.
The potential release of Haydon has reignited discussions about the interpretation of laws and the need for extended supervision of high-risk offenders, as well as the lasting trauma and pain suffered by the victims’ relatives. The question of whether Haydon poses an appreciable risk to the community if unsupervised is being deliberated.
The case of Haydon and the other convicted men has drawn attention to the need for legislative reforms to ensure that those involved in covering up heinous acts are held accountable and that public safety and justice for the victims remain top priorities. It remains to be seen how the state government will approach this complex and sensitive issue regarding the potential release of Haydon.