Embarrassing mix-up as Prisons chief Peter Severin didn’t oppose parole for rapist Anthony Sampieri

In another embarrassing mix-up in the debacle that allowed Anthony Sampieri to remain on the streets before allegedly assaulting a girl, The Daily Telegraph can reveal the NSW prisons boss didn’t oppose the rapist’s parole.

• Sampieri victim: Police protected him

Prisons chief Peter Severin did not oppose parole for convicted rapist Anthony Sampieri, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.

His decision was yesterday backed by his boss, NSW Corrective Services minister David Elliott, despite the minister earlier calling for an “urgent briefing” about why Sampieri was released on parole in September last year.

It is another embarrassing mix-up in the debacle that allowed Sampieri to remain on the streets and allegedly rape a seven-year-old girl in a toilet two weeks ago.

Corrective Service Commissioner Peter Severin and Corrections Minister David Elliott. Picture: Nathan Edwards

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Sampieri, 54, had served five years of a seven-year-sentence for raping a 60-year-old woman in 2012.

Mr Severin also stood by his department’s decision not to revoke Sampieri’s parole when he admitted to his parole officers in September that he was using ice.

Mr Severin told Macquarie National News it was “consistent with policy”.

“He disclosed to officers that he had been using drugs,” the prisons chief said.

“At the same time, he was already in treatment. He’s been seeing a doctor, he’s also ended up getting some pharmaceutical support.

“So at the time, quite consistent with policy, the officer identified that the risk had been effectively managed.”

Mr Severin did not oppose Sampieri’s parole, a decision backed by Corrections Minister David Elliot. Picture: Keri Megelus

Mr Elliott said the commissioner continued to “have my full confidence”.

“At the time parole was granted, there was no indication that the alleged offender would reoffend,” Mr Elliott said.

“Community safety and the wishes of victims will continue to guide my future decisions”

His comments are in direct contrast to what he told The Daily Telegraph on November 18, three days after the schoolgirl was attacked.

At the time he said: “I am deeply troubled by the events under investigation at the Kogarah dance studio.

“As community safety is paramount, I have asked for an urgent brief on all the circumstances which led to the offender being granted parole.”

Opposition leader Michael Daley accused the minister of misleading the public, accusing him of “ducking and weaving”.