A man who raped and murdered a young woman in her home 34 years ago can apply for release from prison on Friday.
Jonathan Peter Bakewell was released from prison on parole in 2016 after serving 28 years for the rape and murder of 20-year-old Anne-Marie Culleton in Darwin in 1988.
However, his release on parole was cancelled last October because of a history of cannabis use in breach of his parole conditions.
In January, he applied to the South Australian Supreme Court to have a new non-parole period set.
South Australia's Chief Justice Chris Kourakis today set a six-month non-parole period starting on October 22, 2021 — meaning Bakewell will be eligible to apply for parole from April 22.
Appearing via video link from custody, Bakewell celebrated after the judgement was handed down, saying "yes" while pumping his fists.
Anne-Marie Culleton's sister, Eileen Culleton, said she was "absolutely furious" at the court's decision.
"This judgement is jeopardising the safety of all women," Ms Culleton said.
In his judgement, Chief Justice Kourakis said Bakewell, who has multiple sclerosis and was previously treated for cancer, used cannabis for "recreational and self-medication purposes".
Chief Justice Kourakis said while Bakewell's failure to comply with the conditions of his parole was "concerning", he had not relapsed into offending despite his cannabis use and he posed "a very low risk of reoffending".
Chief Justice Kourakis said the period spent in custody was a "sufficient reminder to Mr Bakewell of the importance of complying with his conditions".
