Parole Board Decision

In the matter of the Corrections Act 1997

and

In the matter of an Application for Parole by Jamie Leigh Smith

14 August 2015

Reasons for Decision

Jamie Leigh Smith (“the applicant”) has made application for parole. He is currently serving a sentence of life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 15 years to date from 6 April 1994.

A previous parole period granted on 29 July 2009 for life was revoked on 18 May 2015. The applicant now makes application for a further period of parole.

The applicant’s victim was 17 years of age at the time of his death. The sentencing court found that the applicant’s murder of him was premeditated and was described by the court as falling within the worse category of that type of crime. Significantly the court held:

“Such irrationality immediately raises concerns for others in the community who might come across him.”

The applicant’s background is one of typical disharmony and instability within his family relationships. Nevertheless during his previous period of parole he managed to commence and continue what appears to be a positive personal relationship which was stable and obtain employment initially on a dairy farm where his employer described him as being “hard-working, trustworthy and respectful” and subsequently, on a casual basis, on a fishing boat.

The previous period of parole was revoked as a result of the applicant ceasing to comply with his reporting requirements. There is no suggestion that he engaged in any further offending behaviour whilst released on parole.

In considering this application for parole regard has been had to a number of documents including the following:

• The applicant’s application;

• Pre-parole reports;

• Prison episode summary reports;

• Victim impact statements.

This applicant continues to be someone who can benefit from supervised release. As demonstrated previously he has the capacity to engage in stable and functional relationships and employment. Nevertheless the requirement to maintain reporting to those that supervise him are essential as a protective factor for the community.

On considering this application, despite noting the relatively recent revocation following non-compliance with the previous parole order having regard to the statutory criteria provided for by the Corrections Act 1997 the Board consider this applicant to be suitable for a further period of parole subject to conditions. Parole is accordingly approved.

Paroled from 24 August 2015 - Life