Triple killer Berwyn Rees granted parole

Corrections Minister David Elliott will try and block a parole board decision to release a triple murderer who served 38 years for executing two civilians and a police officer.

Corrections Minister David Elliott will try and block a parole board decision to release a triple murderer who served 38 years for executing two civilians and a police officer.

Berwyn Rees, 69, shot dead gun shop owner Ray James and customer Christopher Greenfield during an armed robbery at Bondi Junction in 1977.

Berwyn Rees, who murdered three people, has been granted parole.

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

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The State Parole Authority’s decision today to grant parole to Rees, 69, 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 dead.

The funeral of Keith Haydon.

“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.

But Mr Elliott said the government “will not take a backward step” on public safety regarding parolees and was investigating how to appeal the decision.

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

“I have sought advice from the Crown Solicitor’s Office about avenues of appeal through the Supreme Court following the State Parole Authority’s decision to grant parole to Berwyn Rees today,” he said.

In addition to standard parole conditions, Rees will have to participate in a violent officer program if directed and he must not possess firearms or any prohibited weapons.

He cannot contact, communicate with, watch, stalk, harass or intimidate victims and their families, or frequent the Central Coast, Ryde City and Hills Shire local government areas.