James Vlassakis, one of the four men convicted over South Australia's 'bodies in the barrels' serial killings, has had his parole approval overturned by a retired judge. The judge described his crimes as 'gross' and 'disgustingly unusual', and said releasing him would pose a risk to the community.
Vlassakis, who has served 26 years in prison for four murders, was granted parole in August by the parole board. However, the state government successfully challenged the decision, leading to a review by parole review commissioner Michael David KC.
In his decision, David acknowledged Vlassakis's good behaviour in custody but emphasised the paramount concern of public protection. He found that the parole board had underestimated the gravity of Vlassakis's criminal behaviour, noting the offences were 'evilly premeditated', violent, and committed over a substantial period.
South Australia's Attorney General Kyam Maher had requested the review, arguing the board failed to give proper weight to community safety and the gravity of the offences. The parole board had previously stated Vlassakis did not represent a risk and would undergo resocialisation at a pre-release centre.
Vlassakis was a key prosecution witness against John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who were convicted of multiple murders. The bodies of eight victims were found in barrels in a disused bank vault in Snowtown in 1999. Accomplice Mark Ray Haydon was released on parole in May 2024.
Vlassakis can apply for parole again annually. Strict suppression orders prevent publication of his images or identifying details.
