Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Robert John Page

13 June 2008

Reason for Decision

On the 18 May 2005 in the Supreme Court of Tasmania at Hobart the Applicant was convicted of 1 count of rape.

The Applicant was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 3 years.

The Applicant becomes eligible to be released on parole on the 17 May, 2008.

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.

In doing so the Board has, in particular, considered the following information when assessing the Applicant’s application for parole:

1. Comments made by Chief Justice Underwood when passing sentence including a lack of mitigating circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime. The Chief Justice noted the impact on the victim, which has been devastating. However it was noted that the criminal conduct was out of character. There are no relevant prior convictions. But nor is there any evidence of remorse.

2. The Board notes the Applicant continues to deny that he committed the offence. It is not for the Board to retry the matter and the Board must accept that the Applicant is guilty of the crime as convicted by a jury.

3. It is noted that the Applicant was not eligible to be included in the Sex Offenders Program. He was classified as a low risk offender according to the assessment guide for the clinicians assessing him.

4. The Board notes the Applicant has an exemplary record whilst in prison. He has provided several good character references and excellent work records and reports over the last 3 years.

5. The Applicant has completed the Parole Awareness Program. He has obtained two certificates in Food Processing whilst in prison

6. The Board notes there is a victim registered who is now not in the State. She has provided a statement outlining the distress she has endured following the rape. However it is noted that she does not require a non-molestation order only because she does not plan to return to Tasmania.

7. The Board notes the Applicant is expected to have no difficulty securing employment on release with good prospects already arranged in this regard.

8. The Board has considered the pre-parole report prepared by his probation officer dated 12^th may 2008. The Applicant has had numerous Section 42 releases.

9. The Board notes that the Applicant has suitable accommodation and the support of his father and friends.

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. Apart from the usual conditions the Applicant is to refrain from the excessive use of intoxicating liquor.

Paroled 1/07/2008 – 17/05/2009