Australia puts mass murderer on flight to UK

"Mad Dog" McCafferty, the multiple murderer being deported from Australia after spending 23 years in jail, is due to arrive in Britain today.

Archie McCafferty, 49, is expected to return to his home city of Glasgow after losing his appeal against deportation.

McCafferty was convicted of the murder of three men and the manslaughter of a fellow prisoner. He was granted parole last month.

Despite the fact that he emigrated to Australia at the age of 10, McCafferty never obtained citizenship and his pleas to remain with his elderly mother have been rejected.

Glasgow city council will be obliged to house him on his return, despite protests from local people. He is reported to be on a flight accompanied by three Australian Immigration Police officers, due to arrive at Heathrow this morning.

McCafferty murdered three men while high on drugs in 1973. He later claimed that he had heard the voice of his son, Craig, who had died aged six weeks, telling him he would be reincarnated if he killed seven times.

While imprisoned in Parramatta jail, he was convicted of the manslaughter of another man. His release followed an appeal for forgiveness to the relatives of his victims before the New South Wales Parole Board in Sydney on 18 April.

He apologised for his "horrific crime" and insisted he was no longer a danger. "I realise the chaos and trauma I have created in the families of the three victims," he said. "I can't undo what I have done, but I sincerely apologise from the bottom of my heart.

"I am a changed man and I deserve a second chance of life. I am an older man and I am not a psychopathic killer. To keep me in jail and to keep your hatred in your hearts will destroy you too."

Psychiatric reports indicated that McCafferty was free from mental illness, and no longer heard voices. The decision to grant parole was greeted with anger by the relatives of his victims, who shouted abuse as he was led away.

McCafferty wanted to stay in Australia, where he had been offered jobs and a place to live. But despite living in the country for 39 years, the Australian High Commission in London has said that because of the length of time McCafferty has spent in prison, he has never been eligible for Australian citizenship.

A spokeswoman for the Australian Department of Immigration said yesterday: "Mr McCafferty left Australia for Great Britain today. He has three escort officers with him, who will accompany him to his destination.

"He was taken from Parklea correction centre to Long Bay jail, and from Long Bay to the airport."

As well as offering McCafferty accommodation, Glasgow city council has assigned him social workers to help start his new life. The council has a legal duty to offer assistance to released prisoners for up to 12 months, if requested.

A local councillor said he objected to any moves to re-house McCafferty. Paul Martin, who represents the city's Royston district, said: "If they are so satisfied he is rehabilitated why don't they keep him in Australia?"

Mr Martin said he understood McCafferty would not be given mainstream council housing, but would be offered supported accommodation of the type available to offenders freed from British jails.