FIRST IMAGES IN DECADES: SNOWTOWN KILLER JAMES VLASSAKIS SEEN OUTSIDE PRISON

For the first time in decades, images of Snowtown killer James Vlassakis have emerged as he begins his transition toward life outside prison.

The 46-year-old was filmed leaving the Adelaide Pre-release Centre on Thursday morning, accompanied by another man, before returning later that morning.

Vlassakis was the youngest of four perpetrators involved in the notorious “bodies in the barrels” murders. He pleaded guilty to four killings and was sentenced to life in prison with a 26-year non-parole period.

His image had been suppressed for 25 years because he became a key prosecution witness against fellow killers John Bunting and Robert Wagner. That suppression order was lifted earlier this year.

Now, after more than 27 years behind bars, Vlassakis is living at the pre-release centre under parole conditions. He is expected to remain there for up to 12 months while authorities monitor his progress.

His parole has sparked renewed public debate — reopening painful memories of one of Australia’s most notorious murder cases.

Read the full ABC News report