Convicted murderer could be released from a life sentence in jail due to loophole in Adelaide’s laws

A convicted murderer nicknamed ‘Black Widow’ could be freed from prison just 25 years into a life sentence.

Patricia Byers, 72, has made four parole applications throughout her sentence, with concerns that the most recent one could be successful.

She was moved to South Australia prison in 2009 to be closer to her son, Alan Byers.

But laws introduced in 2015 could provide a loophole that sees her face a parole board.

If she does face a parole board, 9News has reported that she may be released within months. 

Convicted murderer Patricia Byers (pictured right) could be released from a life sentence early should a loophole in Adelaide’s ‘no body, no parole’ law allow her to face a parole board

The ‘no body, no parole’ law was introduced in July 2015 to prevent convicted murderers who deliberately hide details of missing bodies from getting parole. 

When she was convicted in 1999 for the murder of her partner Carel Gottgens, she denied it, saying that he had run off with another woman and she didn’t know his whereabouts.

His body was never found. 

However, hoping to succeed with her latest parole attempt in 2016, Ms Byers confessed to his murder, saying she disposed of his body in Queensland’s Logan River.

She claims she struck him with a machete in the back of the head causing his body to slump into the water and sink.

However, Mr Gottgens’ blood was found in the couple’s home at the time. 

Carel Gottgens' (pictured) body was never found, after Byers was found guilty and confessed to his murder in 1990

Carel Gottgens’ (pictured) body was never found, after Byers was found guilty and confessed to his murder in 1990

Whether Ms Byers is being honest is being called into question.

‘We conducted a search after she gave us the information,’ Acting Superintendent Damien Hansen said at the time.

‘We did not find any remains and we have reported that back.’ 

In 1993, in a ploy for then-partner John Asquith’s life insurance, Ms Byers shot him in the head at close range with a sawn-off shotgun while he slept.

Mr Asquith survived, called the authorities and later testified against her in court.

Evidence that Ms Byers had forged documents to claim Mr Gottgens’ boat and house in his will was produced in court.

His children appealed and it was reverted to their father’s name.

Should she be granted bail, the families of her victims are concerned for their safety. 

SA Police cannot discuss Ms Byers’ parole application. However, 7News reported she had been transferred to a facility to prepare for parole.

Similar ‘no body, no parole’ laws have been passed in almost every Australian state, with Queensland most recently passing the law last August.

John Asquith (pictured) survived Byers' attack, and is reportedly fearful for his safety should she be released from prison

John Asquith (pictured) survived Byers’ attack, and is reportedly fearful for his safety should she be released from prison

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