Court hears why the public should not be allowed to see the Snowtown accomplice

The man who covered up the “bodies in the barrels” serial murders is back in court – but you’re not allowed to see what he looks like now.

The public should not be allowed to see the “bodies in the barrels” serial killings accomplice before his release from prison because that may frustrate “hope for his resocialisation”, a court has heard.

On Wednesday, Mark Ray Haydon made his first court appearance in decades, facing the Supreme Court by video link for the state government’s bid to have him declared a high-risk offender.

When the media sought permission to have an artist sketch Haydon, one of his two lawyers – barrister Marie Shaw KC – objected vigorously, saying it was “completely contraindicative” to offender rehabilitation.

Mark Ray Haydon pictured in June 2000. Picture: File

“I cannot see any basis for the application and we object to it,” she told Justice Tim Stanley.

“This is a case about a man who is 65 years old, who is about to be released from prison, who has been in custody for 25 years.

“Your Honour will see, from the Parole Board report, what he needs is hope for his resocialisation.

“To essentially commence the entire proceedings with approval for a sketch to be made is completely contraindicative to his attempt to re-enter the community.”

Justice Stanley agreed and refused permission to sketch Haydon.

“I’m not disposed to grant permission for the use of a sketch artist, having heard from counsel,” he said.

“I think there are genuine issues about whether or not publication of an image of Haydon at this stage may be counter-productive.”

Haydon – who has thick, long brown hair and a brown moustache, a full grey beard and glasses, and was dressed in a green prison-issue jumpsuit – listened to the argument without visible reaction.

Mark Ray Haydon leaving the Supreme Court in December 2004. Picture: James Elsby

Haydon, 65, has been living in the Adelaide Pre-release centre since he was granted parole last month.

On May 21, he will complete his full 25-year sentence for having assisted in covering up the infamous serial killing spree.

He will then be released, without any form of supervision, unless the application by the government – which has also rewritten state law – is successful.

It argues he is “dysfunctional and dangerous” and must be kept under watch, for the safety of the public, via an extended supervision order.

Pictured in June 2000, a security guard, centre, escorts Haydon, left, and convicted serial killers John Justin Bunting, second from left, and Robert Joe Wagner, right, into court during their trial.

On Wednesday, Solicitor-General Mike Wait SC said the new legislation had passed parliament and was now law, meaning the case would proceed under its provisions.

He asked the court order a number of reports, including an assessment of Haydon’s risk of reoffending, prior to a further hearing in April.

Haydon’s other lawyer, Sam Abbott KC, said there was no opposition to those reports being ordered – and asked for additional material to be provided.

“Because we need to take full instructions from Mr Haydon concerning his last 25 years, we seek orders for the entire Department of Correctional Services file relating to Mr Haydon be delivered up to the court for copying,” he said.

Mr Wait said he would seek instructions as to whether that was possible.

Justice Stanley adjourned the hearing until April.