‘Last chance’: parole board spells out killer Jamie John Curtis’s strict conditions of freedom

One of Tasmania’s most depraved criminals will remain under strict release conditions “for the term of his natural life”, after receiving what may be his last shot at life outside prison.

Mug shot of Jamie John Curtis.

One of Tasmania’s most depraved criminals will remain under strict parole conditions “for the term of his natural life”, after receiving what may be his final chance at life outside prison.

After the Mercury last week exclusively revealed that rapist and murderer, Jamie John Curtis, had been paroled for a third time since he was first jailed almost 40 years ago, the board has published its reasons for granting Curtis what could be his last shot at freedom.

Now 69 years of age, Curtis was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 30 years for the 1986 stabbing murder of 22-year-old Glenorchy man Dean Allie, who was tortured with chainsaw and boiling water for up to 12 hours before his death.

The man then known as Gordon Francis Curtis also received a concurrent, 25-year sentence for other crimes committed during an alcohol-fuelled rampage, which included the repeated rape of Mr Allie’s 17-year-old fiancée.

Jamie John Curtis during one of his two previous parole stints. Picture: Supplied

After being returned to prison twice following successful parole bids in 2018 and 2021, Curtis made several appearances before the Parole Board in 2023 and 2024, with the last taking place in November last year.

“During the interview, the applicant demonstrated a clear understanding of the situation, as noted by the Board and recognised that this may be his last chance for parole,” the decision read.

“He admitted his past behaviour on parole, including non-compliance and dishonesty was not acceptable.

“He referenced his advancing age and strong desire to avoid returning to prison in the future as important factors in his motivation to adhere to any parole conditions imposed.

“Importantly, there have also been significant steps taken to manage and mitigate identified risks by establishing a wide range of supports, case management and appropriate conditions, including but not limited to that the applicant will continue to be subject to electronic monitoring as a condition of any parole order.”

Only eight months after perpetrating the sordid 12-hour crime spree that shocked Tasmania, Curtis triggered a week-long manhunt across the state after escaping from prison in a laundry van.

The board noted the applicant’s latest parole application had been a “long, complex and carefully considered process”, acknowledging victims’ fears about Curtis being released into the community.

The board said that despite the risks associated with the offender’s diagnosed personality disorder, he would be required to continue the drug and alcohol programs he began in prison while in the community.

“Importantly, there have also been significant steps taken to manage and mitigate identified risks by establishing a wide range of supports, case management and appropriate conditions, including but not limited to that the applicant will continue to be subject to electronic monitoring as a condition of any parole order,” the board wrote.

“Further, given the nature of the applicant’s ‘life’ sentence, the applicant will remain subject to any, and all the parole conditions imposed while he remains in the community and continues to be subject to additional strict conditions associated with a Community Protection Order.”

Curtis was granted parole from 15 January, on conditions including that he wear an electronic monitoring device, not associate with “named persons”, and not contact or approach registered victims of his offending.