A man who concealed the death of his six-year-old stepdaughter by dousing her body in petrol and setting it on fire will be released from prison on parole.
Robert Smith is serving a 16-year sentence for manslaughter and being an accessory to the murder of Keisha Weippeart after his partner killed her daughter in 2010.
The six-year-old’s stepfather has served 12 years behind bars and he will be eligible for parole as early as April 27.
At a meeting on February 17, the NSW State Parole Authority formed the “intention to grant parole” for Smith.
He appeared in Parramatta District Court on Tuesday to hear whether his parole would be granted by Judge Geoffrey Bellew SC.
Smith appeared via video link in his prison greens with his long greying hair slicked back into a low ponytail. He was devoid of expression as he waited to learn his fate.
The court was told the victim’s family had not objected to Smith’s release but asked for him to be prohibited from entering the Blacktown or Penrith areas in western Sydney.
Smith had been a model inmate in prison while participating in multiple programs and employment, the court was told.
Judge Bellew granted him parole, and he will serve the next four years of his sentence under strict supervision.
“The authority determines that the offender should be released,” he told the court.
“The authority is satisfied that it is in the interest of the community that the offender be released.”
The court was told Smith would be released between April 21 and 28.
The determination comes 13 years after Keisha was killed by her mother Kristi Abrahams, who knocked the child unconscious after she refused to put on her pyjamas.
The six-year-old was then put in bed, where she died.
Her body was stuffed into a suitcase and hidden in the house for several days before it was taken to bushland in western Sydney.
Kiesha’s body was doused in petrol and set alight before it was buried in a shallow grave dug with a hammer.
Her mother was jailed for a minimum of 16 years for the heinous murder.
Smith did not react to the decision to grant him parole, but community members sobbed outside court as they grieved Kiesha’s loss.
More to come
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
