Corrupt former cop Mark Standen released from maximum security prison

Corrupt former cop Mark Standen was released from a maximum-security prison under the cover of darkness on Saturday – tasting freedom for the first time in 16 years.

After 16 years behind bars, corrupt former top cop Mark Standen walked from Long Bay prison on Saturday morning.

Standen was released from the maximum security prison under the cover of darkness at exactly 6.02am – quickly hopping into a waiting vehicle.

The now-66-year-old was granted parole by the NSW State Parole Authority two weeks ago after serving 16 years of his 22 year sentence.

Former NSW police officer Mark Standen being led into King Street Court in the Sydney CBD.

Standen was an assistant director of the NSW Crime Commission, and had some of the underworld’s most powerful players as informants, when he was charged over a $120 million drug plot involving the world’s biggest synthetic drugs cartel.

He was found guilty by the NSW Supreme Court of conspiring to import 300kg of pseudoephedrine as well as taking part in the supply of the substance and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

State Parole Authority Chair Geoff Bellew SC granted Standen parole on commercial drug smuggling charges that came under NSW laws on May 17.

However, Standen was jailed on another drug importation charge, which fell under Commonwealth laws, meaning he needed to be granted parole by the Commonwealth Parole Authority.

Mark Standen during his trial.

Standen was jailed on another drug importation charge, which fell under Commonwealth laws. On that offence, Standen needed to be granted parole by the Commonwealth Parole Authority.

While the Commonwealth Parole Authority would not comment on Standen’s case last month – it did agree o grant him parole – with his release co-ordinated by Commonwealth authorities on Saturday.

Standen was deemed a “high risk” prisoner in jail, and on release is subject to several strict conditions, including not contacting any of his co-offenders or criminal associates.

It’s understood Standen’s family have stood by him during his prison sentence, and are expected to play an important role in his life on release.