Robert Terry Smith granted parole

The State Parole Authority has granted Robert Terry Smith parole to serve the rest of his sentence in the community under a comprehensive plan which includes strict conditions and ongoing supervision by authorities.

He will also be banned from the Blacktown and Penrith Local Government Areas.

Smith was convicted of the manslaughter, by gross criminal negligence of Kiesha Weippart and accessory after the fact to her murder and sentenced to a maximum 16 years in prison with a non-parole period of 12 years.

SPA Chair, the Honourable Judge Geoffrey Bellew, SC, presiding over Smith’s public review hearing, today said the Authority had relied on expert reports submitted by the Serious Offenders Review Council and Community Corrections, “all of which unequivocally support the offender’s release”.

The Authority further noted no Submissions were made by the victim’s family or Commissioner of Corrective Services concerning Smith’s release to parole.

Delivering a written determination, Judge Bellew, SC said the Authority is satisfied the offender’s conditional release at this time is in interest of the safety of the community, as he will be closely supervised under a comprehensive plan to assist his ongoing rehabilitation and re-integration, and mitigate the risk of re-offending,

“The potential danger of keeping the offender in custody and releasing him at the expiry of his sentence in 4 years’ time with no plan, no parole supervision and no opportunity to engage with support services, will be self-evident,” Judge Bellew said.

While in custody Smith has completed appropriate therapeutic programs, several educational programs, has behaved appropriately, and been employed in various capacities for most of his incarceration.

Smith will be released from custody no earlier than 21 April and no later than 28 April and must comply with:

• Standard Conditions 1-11
  • Additional Conditions that he:    Must not contact, communicate with, watch, stalk, harass or intimidate the victim/s and/or the victims’ family
  • Must comply with all conditions and requirements of the Child Protection Register
  • Must not contact, communicate, or associate with your co-offender, without the express prior approval of your officer.
  • Must not frequent or visit the Blacktown Local Government Area and the Penrith Local Government Area.

Read the full determination here. (PDF, 121.9 KB)