Dutton, Karen Penelope
Parole Board Decision
In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997
and
In the matter of an Application for Parole by Karen Penelope DUTTON
25 January 2008
Reason for Decision
On 4 June 2007 the applicant appeared in the Supreme Court of Tasmania and was convicted of one count of trafficking in a controlled substance contrary to section 12 (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 2001. The applicant was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 15 months and it was ordered that she not be eligible to be considered for parole until serving 7½ months of that sentence.
The applicant became eligible to be considered for parole on 19 January 2008.
The Board has been provided with the comments on passing sentence made by Justice Evans when sentencing the applicant. The comments on passing sentence fully outline the factual circumstances surrounding the crime committed by the applicant.
The Board has been provided with advice from the Victims Assistance Unit that no victims are registered in relation to the crime committed by the 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 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:
(a) a comprehensive pre-parole report prepared by her probation officer
(b) the applicant’s prior convictions,
(c) the applicant’s prison record which can be described as exemplary.
The applicant indicated to the Board that she committed the crime she did to assist in funding her own drug use.
Whilst incarcerated the applicant has undergone counselling with the Salvation Army in relation to her drug use. The Board has been provided with a report from the facilitator of that course indicating that the applicant successfully completed the programme.
The applicant has made use of her time in custody. The applicant has completed the following courses:
1. XCell alcohol and other drug programme,
2. Australian Red Cross basic first aid,
3. Australian Red Cross workplace 2 senior first aid,
4. TAFE course in key skills for work and study,
5. parole awareness programme,
6. TAFE course certificate 1 in general education for adults.
The applicant has also worked in the prison laundry and as a seamstress.
The applicant will have the support of her extended family upon her release from prison.
The applicant has prospects of employment upon her release from prison.
In all of the circumstances the Board is of the view that the applicant meets the statutory criteria to be granted a period of parole.