A man will be deported to New Zealand upon his release from a NSW prison after being handed a life sentence for murdering a young woman 15 years ago.
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The victim, 25-year-old Kristen Pye, begged for her life during the botched robbery of a Brisbane adult store in which she was stabbed six times by then 25-year-old Tara Gilbert.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 15 years for the 2008 killing.
The NSW State Parole Authority on Friday said Gilbert would be released before the end of the month and deported to New Zealand, where he is a citizen.
Ms Pye's relatives firmly opposed the decision in submissions to the parole authority, with one family member asking if Gilbert could be prevented from returning to Queensland should he be released.
A report by the Serious Offenders Review Council deemed the killer's release appropriate and noted his "stable behaviour and excellent work ethic" while in custody.
It also noted Gilbert appeared to accept responsibility and express remorse for his crimes and was at low-risk of reoffending.
"Taking all of these factors into account, the authority is satisfied that it is in the interests of the safety of the community that the offender be released," the Parole Authority said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year agreed to reduce the number of convicted criminals being deported to New Zealand, where they have been blamed for contributing to an uptick in crime.
Gilbert's release comes with the understanding he will be placed under supervision by New Zealand law enforcement for five years and receive practical support including access to accommodation and government benefits.
Ms Pye survived long enough after the attack to identify Gilbert, who carried two knives into the store where she worked.
He demanded cash and her car keys, but when she refused the assailant became increasingly agitated resulting in a struggle in which Ms Pye was repeatedly stabbed.
Gilbert pleaded guilty to murder and armed robbery, among other charges.
Following his arrest, he admitted to police he had planned to commit a series of armed robberies at various retail outlets and was intending to render any employees he came across unconscious.
He also admitted to having stabbed Ms Pye to bring his struggle with her to an end.
In 2019, he was transferred from Queensland to a prison in NSW upon his request.
Conditions of his release include that he does not commit any further offences and adapts to normal lawful community life.
Australian Associated Press
