Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Rodney Edward James PYKE

27 April 2007

Reason for Decision

On 2 November 2001 the Applicant was convicted of the following crimes in the Hobart Supreme Court:

(a) 2 counts of aggravated burglary;

(b) 3 counts of assault;

(c) 2 counts of stealing;

(d) 2 counts of burglary and;

(e) 2 further counts of stealing.

In relation to the above crimes the Applicant was sentenced to a total period of imprisonment of 8 years and three months. It was ordered that the Applicant not be eligible to be considered for parole until serving 6 years and three months of those sentences.

The Applicant became eligible to be released on parole on 12 April 2007.

The Board has been provided with the comments on passing sentence made by Justice Underwood when sentencing the Applicant. The comments on passing sentence fully outline the circumstances surrounding the Applicant’s crimes.

The Board has been advised, by the Victims Assistance Unit that two victims are registered in relation to the crimes committed by the Applicant.

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.

The Board has also taken into account the following information when assessing the Applicant’s application for parole:

1. The comprehensive pre-parole report prepared by his probation officer dated 16^th March 2007.

2. The Applicant’s prison record, which can be described as satisfactory. The Applicant has also had regular Section 42 releases, which have proceeded without incident.

3. The Board notes that the Applicant has suitable accommodation and the support of his family.

4. The Board further notes the Applicant has the opportunity to take up appropriate employment.

5. The Applicant expresses shame and remorse for his offences accepting full responsibility for his offending behaviour.

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.

Conditions attaching to the Applicant’s release will be that that he not use drugs or alcohol during the parole period, that he not enter licensed premises during that period and that he undertake appropriate drug and alcohol counselling as directed by his probation officer.

Paroled 15 May 2007 – 12 April 2009