Launceston murderer Shane Mayne released from prison after Door of Hope church baptism

Eighteen years ago, this man murdered an innocent university student who asked for directions. He now claims he’s found God and has been released from jail on parole.

Shane Mayne in 2005.

Eighteen years ago, a lost student on his first day in Launceston waved down a passing motorist for directions.

It was an innocent act that proved deadly.

In one of the worst acts of random violence in recent Tasmanian history, Shane Anthony Mayne executed a U-turn, crossed onto the wrong side of the road, mounted the footpath and sideswiped the student, 19-year-old Matthew Gouldthorpe.

But Mayne didn’t stop there. As his victim tried to run away, Mayne executed a second U-turn on Dowling Street and chased Mr Gouldthorpe, striking him with the front of the car, causing him to fall underneath and be dragged along the street for about 25 metres.

When Mr Gouldthorpe fell free from the vehicle, Mayne – then 26 – simply looked at the body on the road and drove away.

“His violence and contempt for another human being can only be regarded with horror and utter disgust,” Supreme Court judge Ewan Crawford said while sentencing in 2005.

“It was random violence, one of the worst examples with which I have had to deal.”

Now, after spending the best part of two decades behind bars for murder, Mayne says he has now found religion – and as of a fortnight ago, has been released from jail on parole.

According to a newly-published Parole Board of Tasmania decision, Mayne was baptised at Launceston’s Door of Hope Christian church in 2020.

Matthew Gouldthorpe was murdered in Launceston in February 2005.

He told the board that the church had taught him “different things” and that “I can be loved”.

“I am going to live my life the best I can,” he said.

It’s not the first time Mayne has been released on parole.

He was released in 2019 but his parole was revoked in March this year after he tested positive to methamphetamine use while driving, and subsequently authorities were alerted to the fact he’d been attending licensed premises.

The board noted Mayne was disappointed in himself for returning to prison, and wanted to get “back out” to look after his mother.

Convicted murderer Shane Mayne leaves in the back of a police car after being sentenced in Launceston Supreme Court to 25 years for murdering student Matthew Gouldthorpe.

Mayne says he wants to continue engaging with his church and that he enjoys volunteer work, like mowing lawns and gardening for others, because it makes him “feel good”.

Mayne, who will be monitored with an electronic ankle bracelet, will remain on parole until August 2033.

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