Skaf Review Hearing Stood Over

12 February 2021

The State Parole Authority today stood over a review hearing for offender Mohammed Skaf.

SPA Chairman David Frearson, SC adjourned the matter to 30 April for further submissions regarding the offender’s possible classification progression in custody and eligibility for external leaved programs.

Last November, the SPA formed an intention to refuse Skaf parole, accepting the recommendation of the Serious Offenders Review Council that release is not appropriate for the safety of the community.

The SORC noted the offender’s long period of incarceration and advised there was a need for gradual reintegration into society through external leave programs as the preferred pathway for the protection of the community.

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

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

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:

• February 2018       Parole refused
• August 2019           Manifest Injustice application denied
• February 2020       Parole refused
• May 2020               Review application denied
• November 2020     Intention to refuse parole decision
• February 2021        Review hearing       

• SKAF is a “Serious Offender” as defined in the Crimes (Administration of Sentencing) Act as he is serving a sentence that has a non-parole period of more than 12 years. Serious Offenders are managed in custody by the Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC). The SPA cannot make an order for release to parole without the recommendation by SORC, unless there are “exceptional circumstances”.