A SOCIAL worker did not support the release of a parolee who went on to murder a Hoppers Crossing woman with a meat cleaver, an inquest has heard.
Jayson Hawkins, 37, slashed the throat of his ex-girlfriend while he was on parole on June 26, 2009, six days after being released from Werribee Mercy Hospital’s mental health ward.
Hawkins was arrested and charged with the murder of Margaret Burton, 40, but committed suicide while in custody and never stood trial.
A coronial inquest heard Hawkins had been admitted to the hospital’s psychiatric unit as an involuntary patient in the weeks leading up to Ms Burton’s death.
He was released on June 19 after risk assessments determined he was not a danger to himself or others.
His community services officer, Emma Bell, said she had told Ms Burton she had been worried about Hawkins’ behaviour two days before his release. “I didn’t believe that he was well [enough] to be released,” Ms Bell said.
She said Ms Burton had become frightened of Hawkins after his release from hospital, indicating she no longer wanted to live with him.
The Coroners Court heard a lack of appropriate accommodation meant Hawkins stayed with Ms Burton in the days before he killed her.
Werribee Community Corrections parole officer Judit Huszar told the court she would have urged Ms Burton to contact police and would have informed the parole board if she had known she was scared.
She said there was nothing to indicate Hawkins posed a threat to Ms Burton.
Coroner Ian Gray will hand down his findings at a later date.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
