Jones has served just half of his 20-year sentence for the murder of 72-year-old Lefroy resident David Robert Crawford on October 9, 2000.

The then 19-year-old Jones visited Mr Crawford's home at 5am, intending to steal money.

When Mr Crawford was woken by noise and went outside to investigate, he was struck six times to the head and face with an axe.

Police believed Jones's motive for the robbery was based on talk that Mr Crawford had a lot of money stored at the property though left the house with just $80.

Jones told police that he discovered the man's body about two hours after he had killed him.

Retired Launceston police officers Pat Groves and Bob Coad were assigned with investigating Mr Crawford's murder and considered Jones a prime suspect within 48 hours of the case opening.

Both said Jones was continually deceptive during police interviews, and as the investigation wore on, had portrayed himself as an accessory to the murder and cited his brother-in-law as the perpetrator.

Mr Groves described Jones as a strange man with low intelligence but with a degree of cunning while Mr Coad said that he had showed no remorse or sensitivity for his victim, even on the day of sentencing.

"For (Jones) to be released on parole is a bloody joke and a cruel blow for the deceased's family and the Tasmanian public generally," Mr Coad said.

"It's a disgrace and means that, once again, our system looks after offenders and shows no compassion for victims of crime."

Mr Groves said: "Considering how callous the crime was, he definitely should have served more time than half of it."

The parole board has refused to give reasons for its decision until after Jones was freed on Monday.