Former Sydney drug kingpin walks free

Posted July 17, 2011 14:19:30

One of Sydney's most notorious drug dealers, Bill Bayeh, has been released from jail after 15 years behind bars.

Mr Bayeh was convicted of trafficking cocaine and heroin in Kings Cross after giving evidence to the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption.

A smiling Mr Bayeh walked free from Sydney's Silverwater jail this morning, surrounded by family.

He would not speak to the media and his lawyer, Paul McGirr, asked for privacy.

"He just wants to get on with his life and I know all of you will respect him and his families wishes," Mr McGirr said.

"After 15 years in custody he wants to get on with his life and we know you'll respect that."

The 55-year-old was granted conditional parole late last month, with judge Terrance Christie saying the 15 years Mr Bayeh served was a lengthy sentence and he had been a model prisoner.

Mr Bayeh was granted strict conditional parole, which includes a ban on him visiting the Kings Cross area.

Topics: prisons-and-punishment, drug-offences, law-crime-and-justice, kings-cross-2011, sydney-2000

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-17/kings-cross-drug-king-released-from-jail/2797782

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