Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Robert Geoffrey Wilson

9 March 2007

Reason for Decision

The applicant is presently in custody in relation to the following crimes:

One count of dishonestly acquiring a financial advantage.

One count of forgery

One count of uttering.

In relation to those crimes the applicant was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three years. It was ordered by the sentencing judge that he not be eligible for parole until serving two years and three months of that sentence. As such the applicant is eligible to be released on parole on the 21 March 2007.

The Board has been provided with the comments on passing sentence made by Blow J when sentencing the applicant and those comments on passing sentence fully outline the circumstances surrounding the applicant’s crime.

In summary the applicant’s crime related to an attempt by him to forge the will of an elderly gentleman and thereby gaining a financial benefit for himself.

The Board has been advised that there are no victims registered in relation to the crime committed by applicant and as such the statutory criteria in that regard has been met.

In considering the applicant’s application for parole the Board has taken into account the relevant statutory criteria which it is required to do so but in particular has taken into account the following matters:

A comprehensive pre-parole report prepared by his probation officer

A psychiatrist report, which was tendered at his sentencing hearing

A further psychiatrist’s report, which was prepared in relation to his application for parole

His prior convictions

His prison record

A letter written by the applicant addressed to the Board outlining the reasons why he believes he should be granted a period of parole.

The Board notes that whilst incarcerated the applicant has made use of his time in prison and has in fact been granted the privilege of providing care to special needs prisoners within the prison system.

The Board notes that the applicant has been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, which is presently controlled by medication and counselling. The Board notes that upon his release from prison the applicant will remain under the care of a registered psychiatrist and will continue to be prescribed medication, which assists his condition.

Upon his release the applicant will reside with a friend and the Board has been advised that that friend should provide a positive influence on the applicant.

Whilst in prison the applicant has also undertaken study and it’s his intention upon release to continue with those studies and to attempt to obtain qualifications in relation to Aged Care.

The applicant has also completed a Parole Awareness Course and is aware of the requirements of parole.

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

Paroled 21/03/07 – 21/12/07