Richard Buttrose celebrates end of three-year parole with ‘freedom party’
Richard Buttrose had planned to go to Europe to celebrate his end of three years of parole but the pandemic has grounded the convicted cocaine dealer. Instead, he settled for an intimate party with his closest friends, including QC Margaret Cunneen, instead.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
When you can’t travel abroad because of coronavirus, how do you celebrate the end of your three-year parole period? With a freedom dinner party of course.
Richard Buttrose had planned a European trip to mark the end of his 11½-year sentence, but instead settled for an intimate “COVID-friendly” dinner for 20 at his home in Parsley Bay on Friday.
Guests included lifelong friends from school and new mates Buttrose has made since being released from jail in 2017.
He served nine years of his sentence for drug supply after police caught him with a 6kg bag of cocaine and more than $1.3m in cash in 2009.
Buttrose’s parole period officially ended on Tuesday.
“I am a better man for the experience but I most definitely will not be doing it ever again,” Buttrose, 47, said.
His partner Tiffany Farrington organised the intimate affair, with guests including high-profile QC Margaret Cunneen, formerly of the Department of Public Prosecutions.
Cunneen has been a mentor for Buttrose, who is now studying law, his third degree. He also runs a legal advisory business advocating for people who can’t afford lawyers.
“Dear Richard, how marvellous you are now released for all time from your shackles,” Cunneen said.
“Your towering intellect and peerless charisma ensure your brilliant future.”
Buttrose, the nephew of media doyenne Ita Buttrose, thanked his friends for standing by him, including those who drove to prisons across NSW to visit him.
“Richie has a spectacular future ahead of him,” Farrington said.
“This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.”