Parole Board Decision

IN THE MATTER of the Corrections Act 1997

and

IN THE MATTER of an Application for Parole by R, PR

25th May 2012

Reasons for Decision

On the 17th May 2011 in the Supreme Court at Hobart the Applicant pleaded guilty to maintaining a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 17.  he was sentenced to two years imprisonment with a non parole period of 15 months.  The non parole period has since been reduced, on appeal, to 12 months.  The Applicant becomes eligible to be considered for release on parole on the 1st May 2012.

The Board has been provided with advice from the Victim’s Assistance Unit that there is a registered victim.  The Board acknowledges the suffering and effect the crime has had on the victim and notes the request for a non molestation order should the Applicant be released on parole. 

The Board has been provided with documentation which outlines the factual circumstances of the crime and notes comments made by Justice Tennent on passing sentence.

In considering this 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 particular the Board has considered the following information when assessing the application:-

1. The Applicant’s prior convictions.
2. A Pre Parole report dated the 8th May 2012 prepared by the Applicant’s probation officer.
3. A Prison Episode Summary report dated 4th May 2012 prepared by the custodial officers of the Department of Justice.
4. A report from the convenors of the New Directions program
5. Several references provided in support of the Applicant
6. The Board’s own interview with the Applicant.
7. A medical report sought by the Board.

The Board has considered the Applicant’s own statements that he acknowledges his guilt and expresses remorse in relation to the suffering of the victim.

The Board notes that the Applicant has no like prior convictions.  He has been assessed as falling within the low range of re-offending.  The Board also notes that in sentencing the Applicant the Judge did not require that his name be placed on the register pursuant to the Community Protection (Offending Reporting) Act. 

The Applicant has no relevant internal offences reported during his incarceration.  He has partially completed the New Directions course.  He is suffering ill health to the extent that he is hopeful of release for an operation and change to medication at the earliest possible time.

The Applicant has satisfactory accommodation and has several prospects of being gainfully employed upon release.

Taking all matters into account it is the Board’s belief that the Applicant will be better rehabilitated outside the prison system and should be released on parole.  He is to abstain from the excessive use of alcohol.  Non molestation clauses in relation to the victim will be included in his orders.

Paroled 04/06/2012– 01/05/2013