Jealous killer paroled
Man murdered former wife’s new lover in ‘cold blood’
AN OBSESSED man who murdered his ex-wife’s new lover, marching him to a grave he had dug at Seven Mile Beach before shooting him in the head, has been granted parole.
Robert John Bearman committed the executionstyle murder in July 2001, forcing his love rival, Wayne Schultz, to drive to a pine forest, then shooting him with a sawn-off .22 rifle.
Bearman, then 55, was jailed for 25 years, with a nonparole period of half that time, after he was found guilty by a Supreme Court of Tasmania jury.
While sentencing, Justice Ewan Crawford condemned the love-triangle killing as “cold-blooded”, noting Mr Schultz was likely on his knees at the time.
“Your motive arose out of your hatred for the man who had gained the affection of your estranged wife and your continued desire for her,” the judge said.
In its newly published decision, the Parole Board of Tasmania said Bearman first became eligible to apply for parole in 2014 but he had been knocked back on five separate occasions.
The board said a “relevant
factor” had been concern over the risk he might present to his ex-wife, noting he had previously assaulted her.
“The applicant’s conduct in marching his victim to a grave he had previously dug, shooting him for no greater reason than his relationship with his former wife, the attempts to avoid responsibility by persistent lies and the lack of remorse, all speak to deficiencies
in the character of (Bearman) at that time,” the board said.
It said it needed to assess whether Bearman had learnt to overcome or control his “deficiencies” or obsession with his former wife during his 20 years in custody.
“(Bearman) is serving his sentence in a compliant manner. He is classified as minimum-security and is
described in his case notes as engaging well, and as polite and respectful,” the board said.
“However, there have been some instances of concern … perhaps most concerningly is his confused thinking in respect of his former wife and family. He speaks at times of having the support of his former wife and indeed having been visited by his daughter.
“There are no records of the latter occurring and no basis upon which he could reasonably believe that his former wife holds anything but fear toward him.”
Bearman was granted parole as of August 3, with conditions he not contact his exwife, avoid the Eastern Shore, be electronically monitored and comply with a mental health plan.