Mark Ray Haydon, who helped cover up ‘bodies in the barrels’ serial killing spree, poised for release in May 2024

One of SA’s top lawyers says there’s little that can be done to prevent the release of one of SA’s most infamous inmates.

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

The man who helped cover up the infamous “bodies in the barrels” serial killings will be released from prison, without restriction, in four months’ time – unless the state government can convince the courts he remains a risk to the public.

Mark Ray Haydon, 65, who was convicted of assisting murderers John Justin Bunting, Robert Joe Wagner and James Spyridon Vlassakis, will complete his 25-year prison term in May.

Under state law, Haydon is entitled to be released from custody without further monitoring or supervision because he has served his entire sentence and non-parole period behind bars.

Although Haydon – who did not commit any of the murders – applied for parole in 2017, that bid for freedom was rejected by the Parole Board.

Haydon, left, with John Justin Bunting, a security guard and Robert Joe Wagner, right.

On Monday, Parole Board chair Frances Nelson said that past rejection was not an indication of Haydon’s present fitness to rejoin the community.

“At that time, we (the board) felt that he needed further resocialisation and a period to demonstrate that the changes (in him) were not simply short-term,” she said.

“I looked at his file last week … Haydon actually has done very well.

“His institutional behaviour (within prison) is good, his work ethic is good, he acknowledges his crime, he’s remorseful, he’s done the (rehabilitation) programs for which he has been recommended.

“He’s been in low security (within prison) for some time.”

Ms Nelson said the board had no say in Haydon’s future come May.

“Sentencing is entirely a matter for a judge, and the judge in this case imposed quite a lengthy sentence,” she said.

“(Haydon’s release) is not a matter for the Parole Board – in fact, we are prohibited by legislation from imposing our own sentence.”

She said the government had the option of applying to the Supreme Court for Haydon to be placed under an extended supervision order.

Such orders function like parole for offenders whose prison terms have been completed, governing their living arrangements, movements and travel.

“Under law, the government would have to satisfy the court that Haydon is a serious offender within the meaning of the legislation,” she said.

“And while that’s possible, Haydon does not have a history of violence and has done well in prison.”

Haydon, Wagner and Bunting in a court sketch from their trial.

Ms Nelson said she understood the angst felt by victims and the public when high-profile offenders completed their prison terms.

“Victims remember Haydon as he was 25 years ago but, of course, people have the capacity to change,” she said.

Commissioner for Victims Rights Sarah Quick said she was concerned Haydon would not meet the legal test for an extended supervision order.

“It remains to be seen whether an extended supervision order might be considered and whether Haydon fits the criteria,” she said.

“The victims, for their own reassurance and for the safety of the community, would like to know that every avenue is explored.

“While the victims are pleased that Haydon will have served his full sentence, it remains difficult to accept that he will be released.

Like many victims they do not want to see any other family suffer the way they have suffered and continue to suffer.”

Haydon covered up the murder of his wife, Elizabeth.

He also covered up the murder of Troy Youde.

Bunting, who orchestrated the 1990s murder spree, is serving 11 consecutive life sentences while Wagner, who fried and ate the flesh of his last victim, is serving 10.

Both are serving their terms without parole – Wagner’s sole bid for release, in 2019, was dismissed by the Supreme Court in just 10 seconds.

The bodies of some of their victims were found in barrels in a disused bank vault at Snowtown, while others were buried in the back yard of a northern suburbs house.

Only one of the murders were committed at Snowtown.

Haydon was convicted of assisting in the assault, and covering up the murder, of the seventh victim, 21-year-old Troy Youde.

Mr Youde’s murder, like several of the other killings, was justified by Bunting and Wagner through false allegations of pedophilia.

Haydon’s wife, Elizabeth, was another victim of the murder spree – he covered up that crime also, and lied to their family about her whereabouts.

He also took part in hiding the barrels and co-signed the lease for the Snowtown bank vault.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the government was “seeking legal advice” about Haydon.

“One of our first pieces of legislation was to criminalise concealing or interfering with human remains,” he said.

“This delivered on an election commitment that recognised the lasting harm that these despicable acts inflict.

“The safety of the community and securing justice for victims are key priorities of the state government.”