Monitored movements, restricted life, but a return to the public on parole for Snowtown accomplice Mark Ray Haydon

The man who covered up the Snowtown serial killing spree will be able to dine out, shop and use public transport on parole – but there will be limits on his freedom.

Mark Ray Haydon has been granted parole.

The “bodies in the barrels” serial murders accomplice will be able to eat at cafes, shop, travel on public transport and access Centrelink now he has parole – but will be tracked at all times.

The Parole Board’s decision to grant Mark Ray Haydon parole, ahead of the expiration of his 25-year sentence on May 21, guarantees him exposure to the SA community for the first time since the 1990s.

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

Haydon will be required to live at the Adelaide Pre-release Centre – an 84-bed low-security cottage facility on the grounds of Yatala Labour Prison – and observe a 9pm to 6am curfew.

Outside those times, and so long as he has the permission of the Department for Correctional Services, he will be able to move freely in the community while wearing a GPS tracker.

Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said day leave would likely be encouraged as the purpose of Haydon’s parole is to “re-acclimate” him to the world outside the prison’s walls.

“It’s inevitable he’s going to be in the community in May, that cannot be avoided,” she said.

“This is about how we can best progress that process, with regard to the safety of the community, and how he can be transitioned into this big change in lifestyle.

“Twenty-five years is a long time and the world is very different now.”

Shadow Attorney-General Josh Teague said he had “absolute faith” in Ms Nelson and the Board, and “complete respect” for their decision.

However, he said the government’s focus on having Haydon declared a high-risk offender, rather than challenging or appealing his parole bid, was concerning.

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

“We have heard from the Attorney-General about extended supervision orders and new legislation, while the Board has been warning this (release) is on the radar,” he said.

“My faith in the Board is not to take away from the duty of a government to do all in its power to assess the circumstances for itself and take any step necessary.”

Once in the Pre-release Centre, Haydon will – with permission, while tracked and within boundaries set to protect victims’ families – live with a new level of freedom.

There will be no other barriers to him eating – but not drinking alcohol – at cafes or restaurants, attending shopping centres or using public transport.

In an ironic and macabre twist, Haydon will also need to establish his credentials with Centrelink once again.

He and the murderers – John Justin Bunting, Robert Joe Wagner and James Vlassakis – defrauded that agency for years by claiming the pensions of those who were killed.

Haydon’s only other restraints are a ban on contacting members of the victims’ families – some of whom are his own relatives – and on speaking to the media.

All of those restrictions will cease to exist on May 21 unless Haydon is declared a high-risk offender by the Supreme Court.

Mark Ray Haydon has been granted parole.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said he, too, had full confidence in the Board’s decision.

“(Ms Nelson) has been doing this for decades, she’s been appointed and reappointed by governments of every political persuasion,” he said.

“She is well regarded as one of the top legal minds in this state.”