Demelza MILLS - 31/10/2016

Parole Hearing
Under section 21(1) of the Parole Act 2002

Demelza MILLS

Hearing: 31 October 2016 by AVL to [Withheld]

Members of the Board:

  • Judge M Crosbie – Panel Convenor
  • Ms S Pakura
  • Mr D Hauraki

Counsel:

  • [Withheld]

Support Persons:

  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Ms Mills was seen by the Board today.  She is serving a sentence for Class A drug offending.  Her sentence commencement date was 15 June 2016.  Her parole eligibility date is 28 November 2016 and her statutory release date is 29 March 2019.

2. At the outset [Withheld] advised the Board that Ms Mills was not seeking release on parole at this time.  She has been accepted on to the DTU Programme which she is due to complete in April 2017.  Ms Fyfe requested that Ms Mills be listed three months following the completion of the DTU for a hearing at which a release proposal will be presented.

3. The Board notes that the papers before it also indicate that the [Withheld]  Programme may be appropriate for Ms Mills and that also needs to be looked at in the Board’s view.

4. Ms Mills’ entire criminal history involves the use and supply of Class A drugs.  A reason for the gap between the offending date and sentencing is that Ms Mills was deliberately evading the Police.  Given the significant history that she has it may be that more than the DTU is required for Ms Mills as there is that significant history and attendant risk to the safety of the community that always comes with the supply of methamphetamine.

5. The Board is pleased to see that Ms Mills is committed to undergoing a therapeutic programme.  The Board notes that the release proposal before it in its current form is not one that provides accommodation that is supported by the Department of Corrections. There are links between that address and Ms Mills’ offending and the Board would not have considered parole viable at this time.

6. The course the Board will take on this occasion is to decline parole.  It does so on the basis that it cannot be satisfied that Ms Mills does not pose an undue risk to the safety of the community.  It will not see Ms Mills before November 2017.  Ms Mills will be aware of the right she has under section 26 of the Act.

Judge M Crosbie
Panel Convenor