State Government tries to stop families of those slain by parolees having their say at an inquest THE State Government has tried to stop families of people slain by parolees having their say at an inquest. Its lawyers are also seeking to keep reports into reoffending by parolees secret, arguing publication would be "prejudicial to the state interest." State Coroner Ian Gray is investigating the death of Margaret Burton at the hands of her ex-partner while he was on parole in 2009. Four families of people slain by parolees - including the mother of Sarah Cafferkey, who is taking legal action over her daughter's death - wanted to appear as interested parties. But lawyers for the Department of Justice raised concerns about "broadening the scope" of the inquest, saying it shouldn't be turned into a public campaign. Sarah Cafferkey didn't stand a chance Car parking dispute kills Evan Rudd Sarah Cafferkey's mum Noelle Dickson (centre), and partner Laurie Seery. Picture: Steve Tanner However, Judge Gray allowed three families to appear, though not Noelle Dickson, assuring her he would conduct a separate inquest for Sarah. Ms Dickson was appreciative of Judge Gray's sensitivity, saying outside court: "I wasn't expecting it, but it was what we needed to hear. I feel a little bit vindicated. It appears finally someone's listening. The three families are those of Joanne Wicking, killed by a violent parolee allowed to board with her and her two daughters; Evan Rudd, stabbed to death in a parking dispute with a parolee; and Robyn Weitering, whose father was killed just a few weeks before Ms Burton. Former prison psychologist Ms Burton, 40, was killed at home by former partner Jayson Hawkins, who took his own life in jail. He was meant to be living with her as a condition of his parole, but had moved out in the days before he cut her throat with a meat cleaver. Picture: Norm Oorloff Rachel Barber's killer may get early release How 000 failed Joanne Wicking He was paroled in 2005, failed drug tests and went back to jail, but was again released in 2008. He had been an involuntary patient at Werribee Mercy mental health service in the lead-up to the June 2009 murder, but had been released and was staying with a friend, Rodney Appleby, who told the inquest he knew nothing of Hawkins's parole conditions or mental or drug problems. He said to his knowledge, no risk assessment was done of him or his home. His only contact with parole authorities was a call, possibly from a parole officer, asking if he agreed Mr Hawkins could stay for a few days, the court heard. Adrian Bayley on parole when he killed Jill Meagher Accused murderer a rapist on parole The day after Ms Burton's murder a parole officer called for Hawkins. Mr Appleby said he had to inform her of what had taken place. She was shocked.