Spa Refuses Parole for Mohammed Skaf

6 November 2020

The State Parole Authority today formed an intention to refuse parole for Mohammed Skaf, deciding parole at this time was not in the best interests of community safety.

Skaf, 37, has been eligible for parole since 2018 but has repeatedly failed to satisfy authorities that a parole order is appropriate.

In making its determination today, the SPA relied on the recommendation of the Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC) which advised against release.

Except in exceptional circumstances, the SPA cannot make a parole order for a Serious Offender unless the SORC advises release on parole is appropriate.

The SORC noted the offender’s long period of incarceration and cited the need for gradual progression through an external leave program.

CSNSW has suspended indefinitely all external leave programs due to COVID-19.

In January 2001, Skaf was sentenced to 22 years 11 months 30 days, with the Sentencing Court ordering a non-parole period of 16 years 11 months and 30 days.

Skaf became eligible for parole on 1 January 2018 at the expiry of the non-parole period. His head sentence expires on 1 January, 2024.

Media inquiries: Dani Ongaro 0418203950 or media.SPA@justice.nsw.gov.au

Background Information”

Skaf parole history:

• January 2018 - Parole refused
• August 2019 - Manifest Injustice application denied
• February 2020 - Parole refused
• May 2020 - Review application denied
• November 2020 - Parole refused

• SKAF is a “Serious Offender” as defined in the Crimes (Administration of Sentencing) Act as he is serving a sentence with a non-parole period of more than 12 years Serious Offenders are managed in custody by the Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC) which assesses their suitability for parole and makes recommendations to the SPA. The SPA cannot make an order for parole without SORC advice