Australia’s youngest convicted murderer, known as SLD, is set for release this Saturday, March 15, after serving more than two decades in custody. In January 2001, at just 13 years old, SLD abducted and fatally stabbed three-year-old Courtney Morley-Clarke on the NSW Central Coast. The crime shocked the nation due to the extreme violence and the young ages of both the victim and the perpetrator.
After serving a 20-year sentence, which officially ended in 2021, SLD remained in custody under an Extended Supervision Order (ESO) due to ongoing concerns about his risk to the community. In 2023, he was released under strict supervision but was later sent back to prison after breaching his conditions by unlawfully interacting with a woman and child.
The NSW government recently attempted to extend his detention by another 12 months, arguing that he still posed a significant risk to public safety. However, Supreme Court Justice Mark Ierace denied the request, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove he was an “unacceptable risk” of reoffending.
SLD’s release will be under a new ESO with strict conditions, including living in a supervised halfway house, wearing an ankle monitor, and being closely monitored by authorities. The level of supervision will be reassessed periodically.