In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997
and
In the matter of an Application for Parole by Damien William Harris
7 September 2004
The Applicant is presently in custody in relation to 1 count of Robbery with Aggravation, 3 counts of Burglary, 1 count of Motor Vehicle Stealing and 1 count of Breaching Community Release Order.
The Applicant was sentenced to a total period of imprisonment of 6 years. The offences occurred in Perth and the Applicant was sentenced in the Perth District Court and the Perth Court of Petty Sessions.
The Applicant was eligible to be considered for parole on the 2nd May 2004.
In relation to the matters for which he was convicted, the Board has been provided with documentation which fully outlines the circumstances surrounding those offences and the comments on passing sentence made by the District Court Judge.
In considering the application for parole the Board has taken into account the statutory criteria which it is required to do so pursuant to the Corrections Act 1997.
The Board has received no advice from the Victims Assistance Unit that a victim is registered in relation to the Applicant and as such the statutory criteria in that regard has been meet.
The Applicant initially made an application for parole on the 23rd April 2004 which was refused.
The Applicant re-applied for parole on the 13th August 2004 and his application came before the Board on the 22nd August 2004.
The Board has taken the following matters into account when assessing the Applicant’s application for parole:
a) A comprehensive pre-parole report prepared by his Probation Officer.
b) The Applicant’s prison record which of late has been described as satisfactory.
c) The Applicant’s prior convictions.
d) The fact that the Applicant has employment upon his release from prison.
e) That the Applicant will initially reside with his father, who the Board is of the opinion will be a positive influence over him.
The Applicant was interviewed by the Board at length. The Applicant has previously had difficulty with illegal substances and alcohol. The Applicant has undertaken courses whilst in prison to give him a greater understanding about his offending and the relationship between his alcohol and drug use.
Taking into account all of the relevant statutory criteria the Board is of the view that the Applicant should be granted parole.
By order of the Parole Board
