Bicycle Bandit Kym Allen Parsons dies by euthanasia at Flinders Medical Centre
One of South Australia’s most infamous criminals has died just days after being sentenced.
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Bicycle Bandit Kym Allen Parsons is dead after legally taking his own life with an SA Health-approved voluntary assisted dying kit less than 48 hours after he was jailed for his infamous armed robbery spree.
The Advertiser understands Parsons died in a palliative care facility near the Flinders Medical Centre at 12.15pm on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the Department for Correctional Services said: “It can be confirmed that there was a death in DCS custody on Wednesday 26 June at approximately 12.15pm.”
Legal sources who previously expressed criticism over the conduct of Parsons’ case said his death highlighted the “pointlessness” of the case.
“As we’ve said previously, this has been futile and barbaric,” one said.
The cancer patient, who stole more than $300,000 during his crime spree and left a $1.5m estate to his family, would have paid approximately $30 for the means to end his life – or less, if he had a pension card.
He has spent an estimated 14 days of his 35-year armed robbery sentence in custody – but only if his time on remand, prior to being granted bail, is included in the calculation.
Parsons, 73, was moved from the Adelaide Remand Centre to a palliative care facility near the Flinders Medical Centre late on Tuesday.
Parsons pleaded guilty to 10 counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery and two firearms offences.
Under a plea deal, he agreed to confess, repay the money stolen and not use his VAD until after sentencing – in exchange, his estate was returned to his family without prosecutors seeking to claim it as proceeds of crime.
In an expedited sentencing on Monday, the Supreme Court rules Parsons’ crimes warranted 85 years’ jail, reduced to 63 years for his pleas and 35 years under laws banning “crushing” sentences.
He received a non-parole period of 28 years but spent only one night in custody before being moved to the palliative care facility.
The medication used in VAD costs approximately $30, or about $8 for those with pension or concession cards.
That amount does not include the costs of diagnosis by and consultation with medical professionals, facility fees and other associated expenses.
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