Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Gretta Kathleen HODGETTS

23 November 2007

Reason for Decision

On 9 May 2007 the applicant appeared in the Supreme Court of Tasmania and was convicted of one count of receiving stolen property contrary to section 258 of the Criminal Code and three counts of trafficking contrary to section 12 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The applicant was sentenced to a period of imprisonment of two years and six months to commence on 21 May 2007. It was ordered that the applicant not be eligible to be considered for parole until serving 18 months of that sentence.

The applicant became eligible to be considered for parole on 20 November 2007.

The Board has been provided with the comments on passing sentence made by Justice Crawford when sentencing the applicant. The comments on passing sentence fully outline the circumstances surrounding the crimes committed by the applicant and her personal circumstances as at that date.

The Board has received advice from the Victims Assistance Unit that no victims are registered in relation to the crimes committed by the applicant and as such the statutory criteria in that regard has been met.

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 taken into account the following matters when assessing the applicant’s application for parole:

1. the comprehensive pre-parole report prepared by her probation officer,

2. the applicant’s prison record which can be described as exemplary,

3. the applicant’s prior convictions.

Prior to her incarceration the applicant was addicted to illicit substances. The applicant committed the crimes that she did to obtain funds to purchase drugs.

Whilst in prison the applicant has undergone drug and alcohol counselling and has completed a 10 week alcohol and other drug programme run by the Salvation Army.

The applicant has completed the following units:

1. drug and alcohol awareness,

2. the stages of change,

3. relapse and prevention,

4. introduction to the 12 steps,

5. boundaries,

6. effects of addiction,

7. REBT rational emotive behaviour therapy,

8. relapse prevention 2,

9. reintegration and networking.

The applicant has indicated to the Board that she will continue with drug counselling upon her release from prison.

A reference was, provided by a B Sheedy, a teacher employed by TAFE. Ms Sheedy confirmed that during the applicant’s incarceration she has completed the following educational courses:

Workplace Induction General

Personal Effectiveness Skills

Job Seeking Skills

Consumer Mathematics

The applicant also completed Certificate I in Food Processing through TAFE.

The applicant will have stable accommodation upon her release from prison. Prior to her incarceration the applicant was on a disability pension and it is anticipated that she will remain on that pension upon her release from prison.

It is the applicant’s intention however to continue with educational courses.

The Board is of the view that the applicant meets the statutory criteria to be granted parole.

Paroled 02/01/08 – 20/11/08