Sarah Niethe: The Ongoing Torment Continues for her Family

6th July 2016

“Justice has to be seen to be done and it most definitely has not been done for Sara Niethe or her grieving family". Leigh Woodman SST

Sara Niethe’s killer Mark Pakenham has been recalled to prison after less than a month of being released on parole! Pakenham killed Sara in 2003 and in 2011 admitted to her manslaughter saying he accidentally overdosed her on drugs. It turns out he made up the story as a ploy to avoid a murder conviction according to a Parole Board report. Pakenham was originally charged with her murder but that was subsequently reduced to manslaughter by the Crown Solicitor. He got a pathetic sentence of 6 years and 7 months imposed for killing Sara, but was released on parole after only serving approximately 5 years.

“Pakenham has never had the decency to reveal where Sara Niethe’s body is and the torment Pakenham is continuing to inflict on the family by not allowing them to find Sara and give them some closure is harrowing. Now this debacle can only be inflicting further hurt and pain to the family “says Leigh Woodman of the Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST). The Parole Board themselves said he was dishonest, yet they still deemed him no longer a risk to the community and fit to be released on parole. What was the Parole Board thinking?

Woodman said “It’s a disgrace and cruel beyond words to put Sara’s family through this further victimisation. What an absolute slap in the face for them”. For what reason was Pakenham released to the property in the first place, given Corrections have already had him recalled in such a ridiculously short time?

“We will be watching with interest to see the outcome of the recall hearing” says Woodman
This was not Pakenham’s first offence; he was also sentenced on two charges of injuring with intent to injure relating to two other women in 1990-1991 and 1992.

The parole system is cruel and inhumane for the victims and parole is always hanging over their heads. It is never over for the victims. The SST believes offenders should serve their Judge given sentences and parole should not be considered until that sentence is complete. Woodman says

“Justice has to be seen to be done and it most definitely has not been done for Sara Niethe or her grieving family". ENDS

ENDS

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