Extraordinary move follows outrage over Jack Beasley killer’s parole

The parents of Jack Beasley have ridden an emotional rollercoaster after their son’s killer was granted parole, then had the decision cancelled.

A young killer jailed over the stabbing murder of Gold Coast teen Jack Beasley has had his parole cancelled after the Parole Board Queensland made a “mistake” in failing to properly consult with the victim’s family.

Jack’s devastated parents were given 21 days to respond to the killer’s bid for parole but four days later were informed a decision to release the young man had already been made.

The state government on Tuesday confirmed the decision would be reviewed and hours later, the Parole Board released a statement saying the man’s parole had been cancelled.

The Beasley family was informed a “mistake” had been made and offered an apology.

“For privacy reasons, PBQ does not discuss individual cases in such circumstances,” the statement said.

“PBQ continues to review business processes on a regular basis to support victims and to continue to prioritise community safety.”

Jack was 17 when he died from a stab wound to the chest while enjoying a night out with friends in Surfers Paradise in December, 2019.

Two teens were convicted over the attack, including a 15-year-old who pleaded guilty to murder after admitting to wielding the knife.

Jack Beasley’s parents Brett and Belinda Beasley

But the Parole Board decision related to the second offender, who a court heard instigated the attack. The man, who was 17 at the time, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and has served four years of his seven-year sentence.

Mr Beasley told The Courier-Mail he and his wife Belinda had been devastated to learn one of their son’s killers had been granted his freedom before they’d had their say.

The Parole Board’s guidelines require it to “have regard to … any submissions made … by an eligible person registered on the Queensland Corrective Services Victims’ Register”.

“We found out (that parole had been granted) on the 22nd of December, the day before the anniversary of Jack’s funeral,” Mr Beasley said.

“We’ve had a shit Christmas.”

The young man was set to be released on January 15.

Mr Beasley said they then received a call from the Parole Board on Tuesday to inform them the young man’s parole had been cancelled.

“They made a mistake,” he said.

“They were apologetic and said we’ve reviewed it.”

Jack Beasley

Mr Beasley said they were elated by the decision.

“We’ve managed to make a change again,” he said.

“We got Jack’s Law (allowing police more powers to search for knives), we changed the law around the sale of knives and now we’ve managed to get this reversed.

“It’s not just for us and for Jack – it’s for everybody out there who has had these mongrels take someone’s life and then end up walking the streets a few years later.

“This guy is staying behind bars and that’s where he belongs.

“If he had got out on the streets, I am confident he would reoffend.”

The Courier-Mail understands the young man will be able to apply for parole again, with the Beasleys able to write a submission giving their opinion on his potential release.

The Parole Board said the decision to cancel the parole had been made under a section of the Corrective Services Act that stipulates “if the board receives information that, had it been received before the parole order was made, would have resulted in the board making a different parole order or not making a parole order”.

Nikki Boyd

David Crisafulli

The Parole Board’s original decision to grant parole without proper consultation was criticised by Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, who said it did not pass the pub test.

“That family has just been through so much,” he said.

“They are great Queenslanders, they keep getting back up.

“But they were asked for their advice, and then they had a door slammed in their face – they just weren’t listened to.

“Queenslanders will look at that, and it just doesn’t pass the pub test – it just doesn’t.”

Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd earlier in the day confirmed the decision was being reviewed.

“I’ve sought assurances that the Beasley family are kept informed,” she said.

“I’ve also reached out to Brett Beasley and had a conversation with him this morning.”

Ms Boyd said it was “usual practice” for victim impact statements to be sought and believed it was important circumstances were reviewed.

“I’ll be keeping the Beasleys informed and keeping the public informed as appropriate. Our is a government that puts victims first and in circumstances like this, the families must be heard,” Ms Boyd said.