Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Scott David Syme

25 July 2008

Reason for Decision

On the 11^th August 2006 in the Supreme Court of Tasmania at Hobart the Applicant was convicted of ill treating a child.

The Applicant was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 2 years.

The Applicant becomes eligible to be released on parole on the 4ht August 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.

The Board has further considered the following information when assessing the Applicant’s application for parole:

1. Comments made by Chief Justice Underwood when passing sentence in relation to the ‘unrestrained battering’ that the small child suffered. The judge states it is difficult to understand why the Applicant had battered the defenceless child so mercilessly, there being no excuse for the crime. The sentence imposed recognised the seriousness of the assaults.

2. The Board notes the Applicant also states he has no excuse and that he expresses great remorse and sorrow for the harm done. He would like to take back what he has done and make it up to the child but does not know how this could be brought about.

3.  The Board notes the Applicant has taken positive steps whilst in prison completing the course, ‘Preparing for Change’ and seeking counselling regarding anger management with a psychiatrist when he leaves prison.

4. The Board will impose non molestation clauses as a condition of the Applicant’s parole in respect of the victim and his family members.

5. The Board notes the Applicant has prospects of employment on release. The Board also notes that the Applicant has suitable accommodation and the support of his family.

6. The Board has considered the comprehensive pre-parole report prepared by his probation officer dated 17^th July 2008. It is noted the Applicant is keen to repair the damage done to his own family members as a result of his incarceration.

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. There will be conditions that he attend counselling for anger management as directed by his Probation Officer. There is a further condition imposed that the Applicant not be left alone in any child care situation with any child under the age of 5 years. For the duration of his period of parole the Applicant must also refrain from the excessive use of alcohol and not enter licensed premises.

Paroled 14/08/2008– 11/08/2009