The notorious Bulli Rapist could be freed from prison within months after a panel opposed to his early release changed its stance.
Terry Williamson was jailed until 2014 for the kidnap, rape and sexual assault of 11 victims between 1989 and 1990, including children as young as five.
But the 42-year-old could walk free from Silverwater Correctional Centre in January after the Serious Offenders Review Council recommended the State Parole Authority consider granting Williamson parole.
The Serious Offenders Review Council has opposed every other application Williamson has made for parole since he became eligible in 2004.
The council, made up of judicial figures, correctional officers and community members, assesses violent inmates and makes recommendations about whether they should be considered for release.
Williamson appeared via video-link at his latest hearing in Parramatta yesterday, however, a decision was deferred until January 27.
The State Parole Authority have asked for more information about how Williamson would receive anti-libidinal drugs to lower his testosterone levels should he be released.
They also requested a report outlining Williamson's behaviour during any unsupervised weekend leave he takes between now and January.
Williamson was recommended as a candidate for the weekend release program last year, however, he has so far not participated.
He has, however, taken part in day release twice a month in the company of Salvation Army officers.
The decision by the Serious Offenders Review Council to now recommend parole is significant because the State Parole Authority often refuses or approves parole based on its recommendation.
However, NSW Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham still strongly opposes Williamson's release on parole.
The community was gripped with fear in the nine months Williamson, armed with a knife and wearing a balaclava, carried out indiscriminate sexual attacks between late 1989 and early 1990.
Some of his victims included an 11-year-old boy abducted from his bed, a 13-year-old girl raped at Bulli High School and a 20-year-old woman Williamson raped while on bail.
The former tow-truck driver and labourer from Corrimal was 22 years old at the time.
In total, there were 11 victims, aged between five and 43.
Williamson was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years and a maximum of 24 years in jail, due to expire on May 15, 2014.
Williamson has regularly applied for parole since reaching his minimum sentence in 2004.
The granting of parole presents a dilemma for authorities, according to Victims Of Crime Assistance League Inc NSW vice-president Howard Brown.
Mr Brown said the supervision applied to sex offenders on parole was stronger than the supervision applied after the completion of a full sentence.
"Supervision as offenders reintegrate into the community is important because they need to understand if they try anything wrong, they'll come unstuck and they'll be charged with another offence and go straight back into custody," he said.
Williamson's next parole hearing will be open to the public.
Should it be denied and he serves his full term, Williamson would still be subject to some level of supervision after release because he would be listed on the sex offenders register.
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