NSW government in bid to keep triple murderer in jail

The NSW government is appealing a decision by the state’s parole board to release triple murderer and cop killer Berwyn Rees after almost 40 years behind bars.

• Triple killer granted parole

The NSW government is appealing a decision by the state’s parole board to release triple murderer and cop killer Berwyn Rees after almost 40 years behind bars.

The State Parole Authority in February confirmed its intention to grant parole to the now 69-year-old, who killed three men in the 1970s and 1980s including a serving police officer.

He will be subject to lifelong conditions when he is released, which could be as early as Thursday.

Berwyn Rees has been granted parole after 40 years in prison.

NSW Corrections Minister David Elliott on Tuesday said the government will seek a judicial review of the decision.

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“I have instructed the Crown Solicitor’s Office to commence judicial review proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW,” he said in a statement.

Rees was sentenced in 1981 to concurrent life sentences, with 27 years’ non- parole, for the three murders.

NSW Corrections Minister David Elliott said the government will seek a judicial review of the decision. Picture: AAP

Rees shot dead gun shop owner Ray James and customer Christopher Greenfield during an armed robbery at Bondi Junction in 1977.

Three years later sergeant Keith Haydon was shot in the back of the head while he was investigating in bushland near Lake Macquarie.

The State Parole Authority’s decision to grant parole to Rees was met with horror by the victims’ families and branded a “complete disgrace” by the NSW Police Association.

“This man shot and killed a serving police officer. He should not have the benefit now of being able to walk freely around the streets,” association president Tony King said.

Police officer Keith Haydon was shot in the back of the head.

The funeral of slain police officer Keith Haydon.

Berwyn Rees was jailed for murdering three people/

“News of Rees’ parole will send shockwaves right across the policing community.

“The families of the murdered victims deserve better than this, and the police of NSW deserve better than this.”

Corrective Services NSW Acting Commissioner Rosemary Caruana said Rees, who has been eligible for parole since 2007, would be under the “highest level of community supervision” for the rest of his life.

“He has significant health and mobility issues, and post-release plans include the support of disability services,” Ms Caruana said.