A man who stuffed his stepdaughter’s body in a suitcase before setting it on fire in an attempt to cover up the six-year-old’s death is likely to be released from prison next month.
Robert Smith is serving a minimum of 12 years in prison for manslaughter and complicity in the 2010 murder of six-year-old Kiesha Abrahams.
Smith was convicted of murder in 2013 along with Kiesha’s mother, Kristi Abrahams, and received at least 16 years in prison.
Kiesha died in her bed at their home in Hebersham in Sydney’s far west after being knocked unconscious by her mother when she refused to change into her pajamas.
The couple did not seek medical attention after Kiesha was beaten and instead put her in the shower and then to bed, where she died.
Despite the brutal crime, the NSW State Parole Authority (SPA) formed an “intent to grant parole” and planned to release Smith as early as April 24, sparking protests in Mount Druitt.
Robert Smith (left) is currently serving a prison term of up to 16 years for manslaughter and complicity in the 2010 murder of Kiesha Abrahams. However, the NSW State Parole Authority (SPA) has made it clear that they intend to release him next month .
Kiesha (pictured) died in bed at their home in western Sydney’s Mt Druitt after being knocked unconscious by her mother when she refused to change into her pajamas. The couple put her in the shower and then to bed, where she died
Angry residents surrounded a property in Mount Druitt where Smith once lived and called for him to remain in jail.
“We don’t say parole for child killers,” Alison Anderson told 9News.
“He has not served his time.”
Others in the suburb clashed with counter-demonstrators who claimed he had served his time.
Smith’s non-parole period has now ended, meaning the SPA had to consider his release.
The SPA is required to begin assessing an inmate’s eligibility for release 60 days prior to their eligibility date and must make a final decision on parole no later than three weeks prior to the inmate’s eligible release date.
When the five members of the SPA met to discuss Smith’s potential release, they came to a consensus that they intended to parole him.
Angry West Sydney residents have taken to the streets to protest the possible parole of Robert Smith, who hid the 2010 murder of six-year-old Kiesha Abrahams
The case is now scheduled for a public review hearing on April 4, which will be held in open court, giving the victims or the state an opportunity to have their say.
“A final decision on parole will not be made until the Authority has considered all available information, including any comments that may be submitted at the review hearing,” the SPA said.
If parole is formally granted, Smith could be released as early as April 24.
Kiesha became a familiar face after she was reported missing by Abrahams and Smith in August 2010.
Abrahams initially said she put Kiesha to bed at their home in Hebersham around 9:30pm, but was gone the next morning.
She then called the police to tell them that her daughter was missing, sparking an extensive search of Sydney’s western suburbs that drew nationwide attention.
Abrahams (pictured) initially said she put Keisha to bed at their home in Hebersham around 9:30pm but was gone the next morning
Abrahams called the police to tell them her daughter was missing, sparking an extensive search of Sydney’s western suburbs that drew nationwide attention
Abrahams and Smith made emotional pleas at the time, but the police were not convinced by their story and a lengthy murder investigation ensued.
Eight months after Kiesha was reported missing, police arrested Abrahams and Smith in 2011.
Abrahams was charged with murder after human remains were discovered in bushland near Mt Druitt on what would have been Kiesha’s seventh birthday.
Smith hid Kiesha’s body in a trunk in a wardrobe for five days before taking it to the bushland near Shalvey, not far from their home.
He then doused her body in gasoline and set it on fire before burying the charred remains.
Abrahams received 22 years in prison and Smith received a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 16 years in prison upon his conviction in 2013.
Abrahams received 22 years in prison and Smith received a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 16 years in prison