Mohammad Skaf parole decision postponed

One of the notorious Skaf gang rapists will not be released on parole for at least another two and a half months, with the State Parole Authority (SPA) raising concerns about the safety of the community.

Mohammed Skaf, 38, appeared in public for the first time in almost a decade as he pleaded for release.

The SPA formed an intention to deny release last November on the advice but granted Skaf a hearing to argue against a final refusal.

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Skaf was jailed for a maximum 23 years for his role in a series of terrifying rapes in Sydney in 2000, along with his brother Bilal Skaf.

He was first eligible for parole in 2018.

The court heard the Serious Offenders Review Council had suggested day release as a first step, but the Authority questioned whether that was a realistic option.

"If you have a sex offender who's a denier, who's an above average risk, who has committed a very disturbing crime… what's happened in the past is they haven't been approved for extended leave," Chair David Frearson SC said.

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He adjourned the case until April 30 for advice as to whether Skaf's classification consideration could be brought forward to allow external leave to happen.

In putting off a decision on parole, Justice Frearson said he had real concerns about the safety of the community if Skaf were released.

"He has done the program, he's still a denier, what does it take for him to acknowledge some responsibility?"