Snowtown ‘bodies-in-the-barrels’ accomplice to be released from jail

A man who helped cover up South Australia’s notorious “bodies-in-the-barrels” serial killings could be released from prison.

A man convicted over one of Australia’s worst serial killings could walk free in a matter of months after spending over two decades behind bars.

Mark Ray Haydon was convicted for assisting murderers in South Australia’s notorious “bodies-in-the-barrels murders”, committed by John Justin Bunting, Robert Joe Wagner and James Spyridon Vlassakis.

In 1999, eight dismembered bodies were found hidden in acid-filled barrels in a disused bank vault at Snowtown, about 150 kilometres north of Adelaide.

They were among 11 people who had been murdered between 1992 and 1999.

Mr Haydon was sentenced to 25 years in prison after he was convicted of helping cover up seven of the deaths, including that of his wife, Elizabeth.

Mr Haydon, who has not been convicted of any of the murders, applied for parole in 2017 but was rejected.

Seven years later, the 65-year-old is set to be released after his sentence comes to an end in May.

Mark Ray Haydon was convicted of helping cover up seven of the deaths. Picture: Elsby James

Speaking of his past parole rejection, Parole Board chair Frances Nelson told The Advertiser the board previously “felt that he needed further resocialisation and a period to demonstrate that the changes (in him) were not simply short-term.”

“I looked at his file last week … Haydon actually has done very well.”

“His institutional behaviour (within prison) is good, his work ethic is good, he acknowledges his crime, he’s remorseful, he’s done the (rehabilitation) programs for which he has been recommended.”

She said the government could apply to the Supreme Court for Mr Haydon to be placed under an extended supervision order, which would govern living arrangements and movements.

But in order to do so, “the government would have to satisfy the court that Haydon is a serious offender within the meaning of the legislation”.

While it remains a possibility, she noted Mr Haydon does not have a history of violence.

Victims “struggling” with thought of release

South Australia’s Victims of Crime Commissioner Sarah Quick told the ABCthe thought of Mr Haydon’s release remains a ‘struggle’ for the victims’ families.

“It’s really difficult to reconcile the fact that Haydon might have the opportunity to start a fresh life and that’s certainly something they don’t have the luxury of,” she said.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the government was currently “seeking legal advice” about Mr Haydon’s case.

“One of our first pieces of legislation was to criminalise concealing or interfering with human remains,” he told The Advertiser.

“This delivered on an election commitment that recognised the lasting harm that these despicable acts inflict.

“The safety of the community and securing justice for victims are key priorities of the state government.”

In the meantime, John Justin Bunting is serving a life sentence without parole after being convicted of 11 murders, while Robert Joe Wagner is serving life without parole after being convicted of 10.

It’s been ruled that neither should ever be released.

In 2019, Wagner applied to have a non-parole period set but it was quickly rejected.

James Spyridon Vlassakis was also sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 26 years after he pleaded guilty to four murders.

He is expected to be eligible for parole in 2025.