News

Gang rapist Skaf brother stays in jail

ONE of the brothers who led a string of gang rapes in the Bankstown area in 2000, will remain behind bars.

The State Parole Authority has again refused parole for Mohammed Skaf, deciding it was not in the best interests of community safety.
Skaf, 37, was sentenced to almost 23 years in jail for his role in the attacks and has already failed in past bids for freedom.
He has been eligible for parole since 2018 but has repeatedly failed to satisfy authorities that a parole order is appropriate.
In making its determination, the SPA relied on the recommendation of the Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC) which advised against release.
He was sentenced for a rape spree targeting young women, led by his older brother Bilal and involving 12 other offenders.
Except in exceptional circumstances, the SPA cannot make a parole order for a Serious Offender unless the SORC advises release on parole is appropriate.
The SORC noted the Skaf’s long period of incarceration and cited the need for gradual progression through an external leave program.
CSNSW has suspended indefinitely all external leave programs due to Covid-19.
In January 2001, Skaf was sentenced to 22 years, 11 months and 30 days, with a non-parole period of 16 years, 11 months and 30 days.
He became eligible for parole on January 1, 2018, and his head sentence expires on January 1, 2024.