The terror inflicted by Bulli rapist Terry Williamson is still being felt today and one of his victims has fled the state in anticipation of his release, authorities and victim support groups have said.
Williamson, perpetrator of 11 appalling crimes two decades ago, was freed by a parole board this morning.
At a hearing in Parramatta, the NSW State Parole Authority granted the convicted rapist parole after 22 years behind bars.
Williamson, 42, will leave Silverwater Correctional Centre between February 10 and 17.
AAP reported that authority chair Ian Pike said it was clear the impact of Williamson’s actions was still being felt today.
‘‘Judging by the quality and number of submissions received from victims of the inmate’s crimes, that terror is still felt today,’’ he said.
Victims of Crime Association League vice-president Howard Brown said one of Williamson’s victims had moved out of NSW.
‘‘She is so scared what would happen when he is released,’’ Mr Brown told reporters outside the hearing.
‘‘In my view, given the nature of these offences, this person should have received a life sentence, never to be released.’’
State opposition leader John Robertson slammed the government for failing to act against Williamson's release.
‘‘While the victims of these horrific crimes fought against this criminal's release, the Attorney General Greg Smith apparently didn’t deem it worthy of his attention,’’ he said.
Three of Williamson’s victims watched the proceedings from a separate room and kissed and hugged each other before they slipped out of the court complex through a side door.
The parole board imposed a range of strict conditions including electronic monitoring, regular drug and alcohol testing and a ban on visiting the Illawarra and contacting his victims.
He must not be in contact with anyone under the age of 15 without prior permission and supervision.
Williamson must also undergo regular counselling, comply with all directions relating to medication and treatment and comply with a curfew.
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The former Corrimal man’s maximum sentence expires in 2014 but he has been eligible to apply for early release since 2004.
Since that time a number of parole applications had been rejected upon advice from the Serious Offenders Review Council.
Families across the Illawarra, particularly in Wollongong’s northern suburbs, lived in fear during Williamson’s nine-month terror campaign.
Preying on women and children and frequently attacking victims inside their homes, Williamson’s modus operandi made sure no-one felt safe, even in their own beds.
A 20-year-old Williamson kidnapped, raped and sexually assaulted 11 victims, including children as young as five.
RAPIST'S REIGN
Terry John Williamson's reign of terror:
August 5, 1989: Girl, 13, raped by a masked man at Bulli High School. September 18: Girl, 15, dragged at knifepoint from Farrell Rd, Bulli, house and raped.November 6: Boy 11, abducted from his bed in nearby Park Rd, placed in boot of stolen car, driven to Mt Kembla, sexually assaulted and dumped. February 5, 1990: Woman, 24, raped in her bed at Tarrawanna. February 16: Girl, 13, raped in her bed at Russell Vale. March 22: Girl, 5, sexually assaulted in her bed at Tarrawanna. The rapist had earlier threatened her mother but turned to the girl when he realised the woman was seven months pregnant.
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