A notorious Adelaide man convicted of killing a police officer nearly four decades ago is back behind bars after breaching his parole conditions, authorities confirmed.
Gordon Marshall, who was just 17 when he fatally shot Constable Lyncon Williams in Blair Athol in 1985, had been granted parole in April last year. He was transferred to a pre-release centre in Adelaide as part of his reintegration process.
However, his release was short-lived. By August, Marshall had violated the strict conditions of his parole, which included bans on drugs and alcohol. As a result, he was returned to custody.
Marshall was originally sentenced to life in prison for the 1985 killing, which shocked South Australia and left a lasting scar on the police force. Despite the gravity of his crime, he has repeatedly sought release over the years and has spent periods both inside and outside of prison.
His criminal record extends well beyond the murder conviction. Marshall has been described by authorities as a career criminal. In 2016, he infamously escaped from the Northfield day-release centre. His brief time on the run ended dramatically when he was recaptured near Adelaide’s District Court, where he falsely claimed to staff that he was carrying explosives.
The latest parole breach adds to Marshall’s long history of failing to comply with conditions placed upon him when given opportunities for release. His conduct has fueled ongoing debate in South Australia about parole policies for offenders convicted of serious crimes, especially those involving the murder of law enforcement officers.
At a court hearing today, Marshall once again applied for release. The judge ordered a full report to assess his case before a decision is made next month. The report is expected to evaluate his behavior during his most recent release, his risk to the community, and his history of compliance with parole conditions.
For the family of Constable Williams, the case remains a painful reminder of the violent act that cut short the life of the young officer. Police groups in South Australia have consistently argued that cop killers should not be granted parole, stressing the risks posed to public safety and the anguish caused to victims’ families when such offenders are released.
While the court weighs Marshall’s latest request, authorities have made it clear that his repeated breaches of trust will factor heavily into the final decision.
Marshall’s return to custody underscores the challenges of balancing rehabilitation opportunities w
