Australia’s youngest murderer to be released from custody after court ruling

Australia’s youngest convicted murderer, SLD, is set to be released from custody this weekend after a judge denied the state’s bid to detain him for another year. SLD, who was 13 years old when he fatally stabbed three-year-old Courtney Morley-Clarke in 2001, is now 38.

SLD had served nearly two-thirds of his life behind bars following the brutal killing, which occurred when he abducted Morley-Clarke from her home on the New South Wales Central Coast, took her to a nearby field, and stabbed her through the heart. He later directed police to the bloodied scene where the young girl's body was found.

Although his 20-year sentence expired in 2021, SLD’s release was delayed due to concerns over his emotional maturity, institutionalization, and the potential danger he poses to the community. In 2023, a court-ordered release under strict supervision saw him approach nearly 200 women, including several mothers with young children, prompting his return to jail after one unlawful interaction.

Justice Mark Ierace ruled on Friday that while SLD posed a risk to the community, he was not satisfied that the defendant posed an unacceptable risk of committing another serious crime. Ierace dismissed the application for further detention, allowing SLD’s release under an extended supervision order (ESO) that will run for a maximum of five years. This order includes strict conditions on his movements and use of communication devices.

SLD’s psychiatrists have diagnosed him with a severe personality disorder, making him self-centered and unempathetic. In his police interview, SLD chillingly stated that killing one person would make it "easier to kill again." Despite this, the court found that SLD did not present a sufficient threat to warrant further detention.

The state of New South Wales is expected to cover SLD’s legal costs following the ruling. His case has raised concerns over the challenges of rehabilitating individuals convicted of such horrific crimes at a young age.

Courtney Morley-Clarke’s family has not publicly commented on the decision, but the case remains a deeply troubling reminder of the enduring impact of such crimes on both victims and the community.

The Australlian state will continue to monitor SLD’s activities under the ESO, but for now, Australia’s youngest murderer will walk free after nearly 25 years in custody.