Bedraggled, bearded and with a large tumour below his midriff, notorious pedophile Michael Guider has slowly walked out of Sydney's Long Bay jail after serving a 17 year-sentence.
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The 68-year-old, who killed schoolgirl Samantha Knight more than 30 years ago, was released on Thursday afternoon after the Supreme Court rejected the NSW government's bid to keep him locked up.
He will be subject to a five-year extended supervision order with 56 strict conditions, including constant electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet.
Corrective Services NSW says Guider will remain at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre adjacent to Long Bail jail until suitable halfway house accommodation is found.
"He will be escorted by staff if any essential appointments outside of the centre need to be made," a spokeswoman told AAP.
Guider carried two black garbage bags containing his possessions as he left the jail. He made no comment to reporters and was heckled by two women.
"You filthy piece of sh*t," one yelled at the car ferrying him away from the prison.
As the car made its way to Blacktown Community Corrections Office - where Guider's supervision order was processed - a man on a scooter pulled alongside the vehicle and screamed: "You filthy animal."
Guider pleaded guilty in 2002 to the manslaughter of nine-year-old Samantha, who disappeared from Bondi in August 1986. Her body has never been found and he has never revealed its location.
Guider served 17 years for her killing before being placed on an interim detention order which expired on Thursday.
NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman had sought legal advice about challenging Tuesday's Supreme Court decision that rejected his application to keep Guider behind bars for another year.
But, late on Wednesday, Mr Speakman concluded any appeal would fail.
Guider will not be allowed near places where children gather including schools, pools and cinemas, his internet usage will be monitored, and he won't be allowed to change his personal appearance without permission.
A large growth seen underneath Guider's pants - which swayed as he walked - is a tumour, AAP understands. But it's unclear whether the tumour is benign.
Mr Speakman on Thursday described Guider as "one of the most despicable individuals to come before our justice system".
"I'm sorry we have failed to get a continuing detention order, but I can guarantee the community's safety is the number one priority," he told reporters.
"This offender will not enjoy freedom the same way (as) ordinary citizens.
"He is a high risk of reoffending which is why we have sought this order to watch him like a hawk."
When sentenced for Samantha's death, Guider was already serving time for sex offences against more than a dozen other children between 1980 and 1996.
Samantha's mother, Tess Knight, told reporters earlier this week she was angry and "shaking inside" at the prospect of his release.
Australian Associated Press
