“Most despicable individual”: Samantha Knight's killer Michael Guider walks free
Michael Guider, the paedophile who murdered Sydney schoolgirl Samantha Knight has walked free from prison.
After spending 23 years behind bars, the 68-year-old was released from Long Bay prison after the NSW attorney-general was told an appeal against his release would fail.
He will now reside in a halfway house conjoined to the prison and will be under an extremely watchful eye.
Releasing a statement last night, Attorney-General Mark Speakman said he was advised by Crown Advocate Dr David Kell SC and Ms Joanna Davidson on the chances of a successful appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision that rejected his application for a 12 month Continuing Detention Order against Guider.
“Having considered that advice, I have reached the regretful conclusion that such an appeal would fail,” said Mr Speakman.
An application was lodged to keep Guider locked up for another year, but the plea was rejected by a Supreme Court judge on Tuesday, instead imposing a five-year extended supervision order complete with strict conditions.
No Body. No Release.
How is convicted paedophile Michael Guider allowed to be free without disclosing where he hid the body of Samantha Knight? pic.twitter.com/ch0thMJCSN— Zanetti Cartoons (@ZanettiCartoons) 5 September 2019
On August 19, 1986, nine-year-old Samantha went missing from Bondi, till today her body has never been found despite Guider pleading guilty to manslaughter in 2002.
After completing his 17-year prison sentence, he was then placed on an interim detention order that ends today, allowing him to walk out of prison.
“This offender is one of the most despicable individuals to come before our justice system. Whatever disappointment I may feel at (Tuesday’s) outcome is nothing compared with the distress and concern of his many victims and their families,” said Mr Speakman.
“We have done the best we can to try to keep him detained and failing that, have him under very strict conditions.
“He will be supervised incredibly closely, and we will watch him like a hawk.”
Mr Speakman revealed that the strict conditions means Guider will be subject to 24-hour electronic monitoring, will be told where to live, who he can see and where he can and cannot go.
He will also have his internet usage monitored and have a night-time curfew imposed.