One-punch killer Dylan Closter is banned from further jail releases

The one-punch killer who was released from prison to play football on weekends has been banned from the game pending further investigation. 

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday that Dylan Closter, who fatally punched David Cassai, 22 on New Year’s Eve in 2012, will now need to remain in jail. 

The 24-year-old was released into the community to play the game in April, despite being sentenced to nine years prison with a non-parole period of six years in 2014. 

But after outrage was expressed at his release by the victim’s devastated mother Caterina Politi on 7 News, Mr Andrews announced an ‘urgent review’.

‘There will be no football or any other day release services while that review is being conducted’, he told the network. 

 ‘I was, like most Victorians, shocked to learn that someone who had been convicted of such a serious offence, a cowardly offence, was being allowed to play football,’

Mr Closter, now 24, was pictured enjoying a soft drink and socialising with friends after his game for the Rushworth Football Club in footage shown on Monday.

David Cassai

Dylan Closter, pictured left,  fatally punched David Cassai (pictured right) in the Victorian coastal town of Rye on New Year’s Eve 2012 . He was recently released into the community to play football 

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) announced on Tuesday Mr Closter has now been banned from playing football pending a review 

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) announced on Tuesday Mr Closter has now been banned from playing football pending a review 

His football coach told the network he was not aware of Mr Closter’s history, but said he was a ‘great guy’ who has done a lot for the club including fundraising. 

He is also in line for the best club man award at the  end of the season. 

Mr Closter is one of eleven prisoners from the Dhurrungile prison – a low security jail in Victoria – who has been allowed to play the game on weekends. 

Ms Politi, told the Herald Sun on Monday she was ‘insulted’ and ‘offended’ about her son’s killer being released from prison. 

‘I am insulted, I’m offended. It’s never about victims,’ she said. 

 ‘I’m all for rehabilitation but punishment has to be number one.’

Opposition leader Matthew Guy said people who have committed ‘violent acts’ and put behind bars should not be playing football on the weekend.

Caterina Politi, pictured left, with her son Mr Cassai, at a party before the fatal one-punch attack 

Caterina Politi, pictured left, with her son Mr Cassai, at a party before the fatal one-punch attack 

Ms Politi was devastated to find out her son's killer has been released to play football. 'To think that he's been released, David doesn't get a second chance,' she said. 

Ms Politi was devastated to find out her son’s killer has been released to play football. ‘To think that he’s been released, David doesn’t get a second chance,’ she said. 

 



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk