The family of Perth stabbing victim Barry Dixon have been left “shocked and appalled” after the parole board failed to kick out a freedom bid by his killer Robbie Smullen. She told The Courier: “We are utterly shocked and appalled by the parole board’s failure to refuse Smullen parole. “By deferring their decision instead of issuing an outright refusal, the parole board has dragged this agonising process out. An email from the parole board to Jade on Thursday evening confirmed the panel’s decision to defer its ruling. The decision by SPS to release Smullen has been slammed by victims and politicians.