PAROLE BOARD DECISION

 

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

 

and

 

In the matter of an Application for Parole by S

 

22^nd November 2013

 

Reasons for Decision

 

Master S has made application for parole. He is presently serving a sentence of imprisonment of 18 months for a number of offences of dishonesty including aggravated burglary, stealing, motor vehicle stealing, together with unlawfully setting fire to property and breach of bail. The sentence of imprisonment has been served at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.

 

The applicant's application for parole was heard by the board on 22 November 2013. The applicant personally attended the hearing and was invited to provide further information in support of his application. Further, the board had consideration to the following material:

 

Comments on passing sentence of the Honourable Justice Evans;

 

• Report of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre dated 14 October 2013 including professional services/program unit parole report dated 30 September 2013, operations report dated 8 October 2013 and support letter dated 15 October 2013 from the Ashley School;

 

• Pre-parole report dated 11 November 2013 prepared by a probation officer;

 

• Record of prior convictions.

 

In considering this application the Board have had regard to the relevant criteria established and as required by the Corrections Act 1927.

 

The applicant's offending involved the aggravated armed robbery of a commercial newsagency premises. During the course of the offending the staff of the newsagency together with the customers, some of which whom had with them small children, were witness to the events including brandishing by the applicant of a knife. It was noted by the sentencing judge that the applicant's family had lost control of him and that the applicant had no employment history. At the time of sentencing, however, and on the basis of input from the applicant's psychologist the court noted that there appeared to be an improvement in the applicant's behaviour.

 

On the basis of the information received from the Ashley Youth Detention Centre it appears that this improvement has been continued and during the period of the applicant's incarceration. It is particularly noted that the applicant has displayed an improved attitude and maturity, had a positive plan to his education and good engagement with the staff at the centre.

 

It is noted in the pre-parole report that the applicant upon release proposes to reside with his parents and younger siblings in Bridgwater. The applicant has indicated an intention to abide by his parents rules and boundaries and the accommodation appears to be suitable.

 

Upon release it will be important that the applicant to remain engaged and involved with activities and has expressed a desire to continue participating with the Save the Children Program and to join a gym.

 

The applicant consistently demonstrated change in his behaviour and would benefit by a period of supervised and supported release. Accordingly, and upon balancing negative factors including the risk proposed to the public it is the decision of the Board to approve the applicant for a period of parole.

 

Paroled from 26 November 2013 - 27 July 2014.