Gregory Raymond Norman: Convicted murderer released from jail on three year parole after serving 18 years

A convicted murderer who killed his girlfriend on a camping trip near Kalbarri in 2005 has been released from prison on a three-year parole order following a review of his case. Gregory Raymond Norman was released from prison on Monday, August 26 after spending nearly 18 years behind bars for the murder of his 38-year-old girlfriend Susan Delaporte near Kalbarri in April 2005. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years for wilful murder in the Albany Supreme Court on October 25, 2006, backdated to commence on September 22. It was alleged Norman, 41 at the time he was sentenced, killed Ms Delaporte on a camping trip after an argument. The body of Ms Delaporte was discovered in bushland near Kalbarri about two months later in April 2005, just days after her family reported her missing. Norman was also accused of killing WA fisherman and father of one Mick Small, 42, who disappeared at sea in August 2001. A 2012 coronal inquest heard Norman’s former girlfriend Lisa McDonald provided a statement to police which said Norman told her he killed Mr Small and used her car to dispose of the knife he used. Norman denied Ms McDonald’s allegations at the inquest and in a police interview in 2006. Mr Small’s body has never been found. The Prisoners Review Board reviewed Norman’s case in May this year and recommended he be released to parole for three years after successfully completing a 12 month re-socialisation programme (RSP) in February and engaging in activities and substance use counselling. A senior counselling psychologist noted Norman engaged in nine counselling sessions with no outstanding treatment needs and would benefit from community supports to assist with reintegration given his history of mental health needs. “Mr Norman was observed to be self-reflective and pro-active in his engagement, demonstrated a sound ability to set goals and plan for his future, and had a considered approach to continuing his long-term abstinence from alcohol and illicit substances,” the End of Treatment report noted. The report explained Norman is in poor health, is unfit for work and his physical impairments have hindered his movements around the prison. He appeared particularly motivated to succeed so he could spend time with his children and grandchildren. Norman presented as a low risk of violent reoffending and showed emotional resilience despite his health issues, according to a Psychological Parole Suitability Report dated January 18. A contemporary prison report dated March 12 said Norman demonstrated positive and compliant behaviour, only having received one prison charge during his sentence, which was for possessing cannabis. Community Corrections deemed Norman suitable for release to parole given he successfully completed his RSP, was assessed as low risk of violent reoffending and his lack of outstanding treatment needs. On July 23, Attorney General John Quigley authorised Norman’s release. He was released on August 26 to a three-year term of parole. Norman will be provided with housing and transitional support, as well as personal and professional supports, including assistance in applying for Disability Support Pension and National Disability Insurance Scheme funding.