Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by W

14 March 2008

On the 6 October 2006 in the Supreme Court of Tasmania at Hobart the Applicant was convicted of maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person under the age of 17 years. He was sentenced to a period of 4 years incarceration with a non-parole period of 2 years. On the 23April 2007 the Court of Criminal Appeal reduced the sentence to a period of 3 years incarceration with a non-parole period of 18 months.

The Applicant is eligible for parole on the 28 March 2008.

On the 14 March 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.
• The applicant has suitable employment.
• The Applicant states he is sorry for any impact his behaviour has had on the victim and others related to her and himself.
• The Applicant initiated an assessment for the Sexual Offenders Treatment Program but was not offered a place as he had an inappropriate i.e. low risk level for inclusion in this program.
• The Board has taken into account the comprehensive Pre-Parole report dated 7 March 2008.
• The Board notes the applicant has an excellent record of behaviour whilst he has been incarcerated.
• The Board notes in particular the favourable report from the Applicant’s psychologist and also notes the Applicant’s intention to continue seeking professional help from his psychologist
• The Board has taken into account Chief Justice Underwood’s statements on passing sentence and the Board has also taken into account the statements made by Justices Crawford and Evans when resentencing the Applicant.
• The Board has considered the victim’s statements at the time of sentencing and more recently and notes no non-molestation orders are required.

It is the Parole Board’s belief that a period of supervision and assistance with readjusting to society and his family relationships may be more beneficial to all concerned than having the Applicant serve the full term without the opportunity of assistance from a Probation officer.

Paroled 01/04/08 – 28/09/09