Terry John Williamson, also known as the Bulli Rapist, looked nothing like his 20-year-old self when he walked out of prison a free man yesterday.
The last pictures of Williamson before his life behind bars began in 1990 showed a slim young man with a shock of bright red hair.
But when he walked out of Silverwater Correctional Centre at 11am yesterday, Williamson was largely unrecognisable.
In the 22 years behind bars, Williamson’s distinctive hair colour had faded, the years also adding bulk to the serial rapist’s formerly lean frame.
Dressed in jeans and a white polo shirt, Williamson walked from the prison’s blue exit door to a waiting unmarked car, all the while flanked by two police officers.
He ignored the gathered media pack, not reacting to questions about his plans for the future and whether he would behave outside jail. His face, largely obscured under sunglasses and a brown baseball cap, gave away no emotion.
After getting into the car’s back seat, Williamson appeared to let out a deep breath before struggling momentarily to find the seatbelt.
He was then whisked away to Long Bay prison, where a monitoring bracelet was fitted to his ankle.
Williamson will live in a facility staffed by corrective services officers.
The former Corrimal truck driver preyed on women and children during a nine-month sexual rampage in Wollongong’s northern suburbs between 1989 and 1990.
The NSW Parole Authority granted the 42-year-old his freedom last month after six unsuccessful bids for his release since 2004.
The Serious Offenders Review Council recommended the authority release Williamson as he had ‘‘continued to demonstrate his commitment to post-release plans’’.
However, news of Williamson’s impending release raised fears he could strike again.
Speaking to the Mercury last month, former Corrimal detective sergeant Paul Cole said he believed the Bulli Rapist could reoffend.
‘‘He’s only 42 now, he’s going on 43 … so, I mean, he’s still a young man,’’ Mr Cole said.
Until 2014, Williamson must abide by strict parole conditions, including a ban from entering the Illawarra or contacting his victims, and a requirement he continue taking anti-libidinal medication.
He must also undergo psychological counselling and drug and alcohol testing.
Williamson has served almost 22 years of a 24-year sentence for the kidnap, rape and sexual assault of 11 victims, including children as young as five, which occurred during his nine-month reign of terror in Wollongong’s northern suburbs.
One of the attacks occurred while Williamson was out on bail.
Wearing a balaclava to hide his distinctive hair, he often attacked victims inside their homes at knife point.
Williamson’s maximum sentence will expire in May 2014.
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