Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Anthony Craig DILLON

12 October 2007

Reason for Decision

The Applicant transferred to Tasmania from Queensland in March 2003, whilst on parole in relation to a manslaughter conviction and various other convictions dated 5 September 1997 resulting in a ten year sentence to imprisonment with a non parole period of 4 years. His parole was revoked in 2004 in relation to further criminal charges relating to incidences, which occurred a few months after his arrival in Tasmania. He has remained incarcerated since July 2004. On 30 June 2006, in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, the applicant was convicted of assault arising from the previous mentioned charges. He was sentenced to two years of imprisonment to be served cumulative with the earlier convictions arising in Queensland. In total the sentences for the above mentioned matters and for various other matters was for a period of 12 years 5 months and 18 days. The total non parole period imposed was 6 years and five months.

The Applicant became eligible to be released on parole on 29 September 2007.

In considering the application for parole the Board has taken into account the statutory criteria which it is required to do pursuant to the Corrections Act 1997.

In particular the Board notes the following information:

1. Prison records and a reference outlining good behaviour and a favourable shift in attitude during the term of imprisonment.

2. References supplied by the Applicant’s prospective employer upon release indicating support for the Applicant.

3. A pre-parole report completed by the Applicant’s Probation officer dated 6 September 2007 confirming the provisions of a supportive environment by this employer.

4. The Board has considered psychological and other reports prepared whilst the Applicant was incarcerated in Queensland.

5. The Board has also considered the statements made by Chief Justice Underwood upon passing sentence particularly in relation to the nature of the acts, being totally unprovoked and vicious in nature. Reference is also made to the consumption of alcohol and drugs associated with the crime. With respect to these statements there will be conditions that the Applicant abstain from alcohol and illicit drugs and that there be regular testing for same. Counselling in relation to alcohol and drug abuse must be pursued as determined by the Probation officer. Anger management counselling will also need to be pursued as directed by the Probation officer.

6. The Board notes the Applicant has attended two anger management and relapse prevention counselling sessions recently and has himself requested further counselling.

7. The Board takes particular notice of the effect that the crime has had upon the victim and family members of the victim and there are orders that the Applicant not contact the victim or family members either directly or indirectly by any means. The Applicant is not to enter the shopping district of Wilmot unless accompanied by an approved custodian nor enter the local store outside of periods approved by the Probation officer. The Applicant is not to enter the local football grounds.

Taking all matters into account, the Board is of the view that the Applicant now meets the statutory criteria to be granted parole and that his reintegration into the wider community will best be served by the Applicant being granted a period of parole.

Paroled 30 October 2007 – 4 January 2010