Snowtown murders accomplice unable to venture out alone after being released

Mark Haydon, the 65-year-old accomplice to the Snowtown murders has taken his first steps into freedom from the Adelaide pre-release centre in Northfield.

After 25 years behind bars, Haydon cannot go outside alone.

A companion has been appointed to help him with shopping, and catching public transport - activities that have considerably changed since his imprisonment.

READ MORE: Snowtown murder accomplice released on parole

The Presiding Member of South Australia's Parole Board Frances Nelson KC said Haydon "has had quite an extensive period in a low-security facility of re-socialisation."

"And this, if you like, is the final step".

"If we thought he was at high risk of re-offending, we would not have been able to release him on parole."

Haydon's release onto parole is still believed to be too soon for the victims' families.

The Victim's Rights Commissioner told 9News "it is an apprehensive, and fearful time" for the families.  

Haydon was 40 when he was arrested over his role in the nation's worst serial killings.

And was convicted for assisting in 7 of the 11 so-called "bodies in the barrels murders". 

Haydon's release was always inevitable after serving his full sentence which comes to an end next month on May 20.