The armed robber who staged a brazen helicopter escape from a Sydney prison has been granted parole but will still spend the next few years behind bars.
John Killick, 72, has served 15 years since flying out of Silverwater jail in a helicopter that his girlfriend, Lucy Dudko, hijacked in 1999.
He has now been granted parole after applying several times to the New South Wales State Parole Authority (SPA) following the expiry of his 14-year non-parole period.
But he won't walk free from jail in NSW.
Instead, Killick will be extradicted to Queensland to serve the remainder of a prison sentence, about two-and-a-half years, for an armed robbery committed 31 years ago.
It's expected he will be extradicted later in April.
The SPA rejected Killick's application for release last year, but say he's now "of an age and maturity where his being a risk to the community is minimal".
"Killick has completed several programs to address his offending behaviour," the SPA said in a statement.
He was initially jailed for a spate of armed robberies but got extra time after his helicopter escape with Dudko.
The couple were on the run for 45 days before they were captured with the case making worldwide headlines.
After serving his time in Queensland, Killick will return to NSW where he will live on parole under 21 strict conditions.
He will have to wear an electronic monitoring device, refrain from gambling, not contact Dudko or posses or use a gun.
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