Family’s horror as ‘monster’ killer could possibly be freed in months

A violent killer described by his victim’s family and friends as a ‘monster’ could be released from prison in months just three years after he was sentenced for stabbing a 22-year-old man to death.

Robbie Smullen, 26, attacked Barry Dixon, 22, with a knife at a home in Wallace Court, Perth, Scotland on June 4 2019.

Barry sustained a fatal wound to the heart and died in hospital as doctors tried to save his life. 

Smullen was charged with Barry’s murder but an Edinburgh jury found him guilty of culpable homicide, and he was jailed for nine years and three months.

Barry’s family have previously accused Scottish Police of missing opportunities to arrest Smullen, and a petition calling for a public inquiry into the case has amassed more than 12,000 signatures.

They have claimed Smullen was reported to police while in breach of his bail conditions in the hours before Barry’s death and say he should have been arrested before he had the opportunity to return to the property where Barry was killed. 

Barry Dixon, 22, was stabbed to death by an angry Smullen in 2019 following an argument between the killer and his partner

Robbie Smullen attached Mr Dixon with a knife at his home in Wallace Court, Perth, Scotland on June 4 2019

At the time of his trial, Smullen also faced a charge of breaking bail conditions, specifically a curfew banning him from leaving his home of the same address between 7pm and 7am. 

On a page dedicated to campaigning for an inquiry, Barry’s family said: ‘We have received a letter from the Scottish Parole Board informing us that they are considering the early release of coward Robbie Smullen, inviting us to make written representations about his potential release. 

‘We will of course strongly oppose his release from prison, but it’s shocking that we are even having to do this when he has only served just over four years for murdering Barry. 

‘This monster isn’t a person who made one mistake. This monster has always carried weapons, because he is a coward, and sadly that won’t change. 

‘He should be serving his full sentence; why should another family’s child be put at risk by his early release. Please support our fight to keep him locked up.’

Smullen’s own mother Mary, also known as Theresa Townley, was also convicted over Barry’s death for attempting to pervert the course of justice. She was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work and placed under a supervision order for two years.

The killer had argued with his partner Shannon Beattie on the night of Barry’s death over his suspicions he was the father of another woman’s child.

Ms Beattie asked him and his friends to leave the flat before meeting up with Mr Dixon at her home.

Smullen had been drinking when he arrived back at his partner’s property in the early hours of the morning.

A fight broke out between the two men and Barry was stabbed. Smullen maintained in court that he acted in self-defence, but a jury did not agree and found him guilty of culpable homicide.

Judge Lady Carmichael told him: ‘No sentence I can impose today can repair or lessen the harm you have caused to the family of Barry Dixon.

‘The effects of your actions are enduring for them and felt deeply by them.’

After being sentenced in April 2021, Smullen is already understood to be considered for release by the end of the year, as he approaches the mid-point of his sentence – once time on remand is taken into account. 

The potential release of Smullen comes at a time of increased scrutiny on the prison system after government put in place a variety of measures to allow non-violent prisoners to be released early due to overcrowding.

And bosses warned this week that extra prisoners will again have to be released ‘within days’ as Britain’s jails struggle with a lack of capacity. 

The Scottish parole board said it does not comment on individual cases. 

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: ‘I would like to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of Barry Dixon.

‘The parole process is a critical part of the justice system. Decisions on release in any given case are always a matter for the independent parole board based on the individual facts and circumstances, with a clear assessment of risk.

‘Victims, or a family member of a victim, have rights to make representations in writing or verbally to a member of the parole board before a decision is made about a prisoners release on licence and may apply to the parole board to observe a parole hearing in certain cases.’