Richard Reay sentenced for killing jail cellmate Geoffrey Fardell

In his sentencing, a judge said the man had meant to kill his victim, who was “older, frailer and more vulnerable”.

Richard Reay appeared via AVL in the NSW Supreme Court from Australia’s most high security prison, Goulburn Supermax. Picture: Tim Hunter

A violent NSW prisoner who “sadistically” strangled his cellmate to death has struggled to accept he will spend at least the next 22 years locked behind bars.

Sporting a defined mullet, Richard Reay, 47, appeared via AVL in the NSW Supreme Court from Australia’s most high security prison, Goulburn Supermax, to be sentenced for killing Geoffrey Fardell, 52, in June, 2019.

Mr Fardell’s family solemnly watched from a video link as Justice Robert Hulme sentenced Reay to a maximum 30 years in prison, not to be released on parole before November 2042.

Victim Geoffrey John Fardell died on June 11.

When the court adjourned, Reay, considered one of the most violent prisoners in the state, seemed shocked with the outcome, telling a police officer, “Woah 2042 … I did send a condolence letter to the victims ... I tried to hand it to the solicitors months ago.”

“Hand it to the screw’s there, mate,” the officer replied.

Reay joked: “It’s a bit late for that … I’ve been in a pretty bad situation … me and everyone else involved. I didn‘t really get much time to speak in court. They virtually gave me no chance to speak.”

He then spoke to himself, repeating: “42 years … 42 years..,” then he said: “At least I didn’t get rubber stamped.”

On March 31, Reay was found guilty in a judge-alone trial of murdering Mr Fardell in cell 234 at Kempsey’s Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.

Justice Hulme told the court on Wednesday he did not believe Reay’s “completely implausible” argument that he strangled Mr Fardell in self defence with an underwear clothesline.

Reay unconvincingly argued Mr Fardell asked him to turn the TV down then began throwing punches.

Goulburn Correctional Centre. Picture: Tim Hunter

Justice Hulme told the court Reay had meant to kill Mr Fardell, who was “older, frailer and more vulnerable”.

“To kill a person by (strangling) is more sustained than most other forms of killing. The perpetrator has the choice of desisting at any point, but must choose to continue until the victim is lifeless,” Justice Hulme told the court.

“One can only think he had absolutely no respect for the sanctity of human life, to kill a person in such a callous and sadistic way … I’m satisfied this is a very grave instance of murder.”

Mr Fardell was killed sometime after the pair were locked in their cell at 3.19pm, on June 10.

Justice Hulme chillingly said: “There was little (Mr Fardell) could do to fend off or escape from the attack.”

Reay had never provided an honest account of what happened that night and why, he told the court.

Another prisoner found Mr Fardell’s lifeless body during a routine milk delivery the next morning, before Reay said: “My celly’s dead”.

Justice Hulme told the court Reay, diagnosed with severe anti-social personality disorder, had a tough upbring filled with drug abuse and animal cruelty, including an interest in killing animals with slingshots to “watch them die slowly”.

Reay had become known in prison for his violent outbursts and sexually disturbing behaviour like masturbating towards female officers, the court heard.

He was moved from Malabar Prison to Supermax in March after trying to swing his handcuffed arms over an officer’s neck.

The violent prisoner is not to be left alone with female staff, he must be handcuffed and escorted by three officers when moving around the prison, the court heard.

He has been in and out of jail since 2003 for violent offences including hitting a man in the head with a baseball bat.