David Shepherd: Convicted murderer’s parole revoked after rape allegation

A man granted bail after allegedly raping a woman while on parole for a vicious murder in 2006 spent one week living in a tent before he was again arrested by police.

A man granted bail after allegedly raping a woman while on parole for a vicious murder in 2006 spent one week living in a tent before he was again arrested by police.

David Maxwell Shepherd was released in July last year after spending 19 years in prison for the murder of Malissa Mayfield at her Bossley Park home, in Sydney’s southwest, in June 2006.

Upon his release, Shepherd was subject to strict parole conditions, which included he “be of good behaviour”, not commit any offences, stay away from drugs, and adapt to a “normal” community life.

However, he was charged with sexual intercourse without consent following an alleged rape earlier this year, and faced Cooma Local Court on June 22, where his criminal history was tendered when he made an application for bail.

Police strongly opposed the application, noting that Shepherd was on parole for murder until 2025 and, if convicted of the alleged rape, could spend 14 more years behind bars.

John Squillacioti pleading for information about his daughter Malissa Mayfield’s death in 2006.

Magistrate Roger Clisdell agreed to grant Shepherd bail, ordering that he wear an ankle monitor at all times.

As part of his bail conditions he was also ordered to live in Nimmitabel, about 25 minutes from Cooma, where he set up a tent at a caravan park.

Outside court, NSW Opposition police spokesman Walt Secord criticised the decision, saying an ankle monitor was like “putting a shoelace around a tiger’s neck” and labelled the bail system “broken”.

“Something is deeply wrong with the NSW justice system when a convicted murderer who is then charged with another serious offence is granted bail — and allowed to roam the streets with nothing to protect the community but an ankle bracelet,” Mr Secord said.

“Unfortunately, an ankle bracelet is like putting a shoelace around a tiger’s neck. There has to be a wholesale re-examination of their use.”

Murdered mother-of-two Malissa Mayfield.

Responding to questions about Shepherd’s release on bail, NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said he was “awaiting further advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions” about the case.

On Wednesday, however, police arrested Shepherd from his tent after a warrant was issued for the revocation of his parole.

The NSW State Parole Authority confirmed Shepherd would remain on remand in custody for approximately four weeks until he is listed for a revocation review hearing.

Shepherd will now remain behind bars on remand until he faces court again later this year.

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