Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Luke GARTH

11 January 2008

Reason for Decision

On 1 November 2007 the Applicant was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance.

The Applicant was sentenced to a period of imprisonment of 12 months with a non-parole period of 6 months.

The Applicant is eligible to be released on parole on 17 January 2008.

On 11 January 2008 the Parole Board granted parole for the following reasons, taking into account the statutory criteria pursuant to the Corrections Act 1997:

• The Applicant has satisfactory accommodation and the support of his immediate family members. He plans to discontinue association with problematic past acquaintances and establish association with friends he believes will provide a positive influence.
• The Applicant has firm employment prospects with highly satisfactory recommendations based on past performance.
• The Applicant has a very good prison record and has voluntarily completed the ‘Getting Smart’ program in a very satisfactory manner.
• The Board has taken into account the comprehensive Pre-Parole Report dated 7 January 2008.
• The Board has given consideration to Justice Evans comments on passing sentence dated 1 November, 2007 including his relatively young age, a plea of guilty at the first opportunity, his endeavour to address his drug problem since being incarcerated, with hope for the future in this regard.
• It is the Parole Board’s belief that the Applicant’s rehabilitation will be better served out in the community. There will be restrictions placed on the Applicant with regard to alcohol and drugs and he will be required to attend drug counselling as directed by his Probation Officer.

Paroled 22/01/08 – 17/07/08