NSW triple murderer and cop killer Berwyn Rees is expected to walk free after almost 40 years behind bars in a parole decision that the police union has branded "a complete disgrace and offensive".
The State Parole Authority on Thursday confirmed its intention to grant parole to Rees who killed three men in the 1970s and 1980s including a serving police officer.
The now 69-year-old will be subject to strict lifelong conditions upon his release in March, a spokeswoman said in a statement.
However, Corrections Minister David Elliott has sought legal advice about appealing in the Supreme Court.
The Police Association of NSW called the decision a disgrace and said it was offensive to both the victims' families and every police officer across the state.
"This man murdered three people in cold blood, including a police officer who was simply trying to do his job," state president Tony King said in a statement.
"This is beyond disgraceful. The horrific killer should still be behind bars, he should not be given a second chance."
Rees was sentenced in 1981 to concurrent life sentences, with 27 years' non-parole, for the three murders.
He first walked into a Sydney gun shop in 1977 and shot manager Raymond James and customer Christopher Greenfield in the back of the head at close range, according to an online petition said to be run by the daughter of a victim.
He fled with guns and ammunition.
Three years later, Rees fatally shot Sergeant Keith Haydon when the police officer went to investigate his target practice in the bush.
"I cannot understand how they can even consider letting this man free," Tracy James's change.org petition states.
"He has destroyed so many families."
The parole authority said it "took particular note of the offenders' prison performance, program participation to address offending behaviour and suitable post-release plans" in reaching its decision.
In addition to the standard parole conditions, Rees will have to participate in a violent offender program if directed, and he can't possess firearms or any prohibited weapons, contact victims or frequent certain local government areas.
Corrective Services NSW acting commissioner Rosemary Caruana said they would apply "the highest level of community supervision" to Rees, who will "remain under our watch for the rest of his life".
"He has significant health and mobility issues, and post-release plans include the support of disability services," she said in a statement.
Australian Associated Press
