Carlos NAMANA - 08/11/2016

Parole hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Carlos NAMANA

Hearing: 8 November 2016 at [Withheld]

Members of the Board:

  • Hon. M A Frater (Panel Convenor)
  • Judge P Gittos
  • Mr P Elenio
  • Assoc. Prof. P Brinded

In attendance:

  • [Withheld]

Support Persons:

  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Thirty-seven year old Carlos Namana is serving a life sentence of imprisonment for the murder of a police officer in May 1999 – 17 and a half years ago.

2. He was sentenced on 20 October 1999 and became eligible to be considered for release on parole on 28 May 2015.

3. This is the third time his case has been considered by the Board and the second time that he has actually appeared.

4. Having completed the six month long Drug Treatment Unit (DTU) Programme in October 2015, Mr Namana began the [Withheld] Programme on 22 February this year.

5. According to the reports prepared for this hearing, Mr Namana was due to graduate from the programme at the end of December.  He completed the core programme at the end of October and was then to do a number of maintenance sessions.  However, as a result of an incident, Mr Namana has been stood down from the programme, which he will have to repeat, starting in February next year.  But, in recognition of the good progress he had otherwise made, he has been allowed to remain in the unit until then.

6. In the circumstances, there is no question of parole today.  It is declined.

7. Mr Namana’s next hearing will be at the end of April or the beginning of May 2018.  By that stage he should have completed the [Withheld] Programme and begun reintegrative activities.  He should also have a clear plan for his reintegration and ultimate release.

8. As we did not have a psychological report for this hearing, it is essential that one is prepared for the next.  This should address Mr Namana’s progress in [Withheld], including the challenges he has faced and will face going forward, and assess both his risk of re-offending, and the strength of his release plan.

Hon. M A Frater
Panel Convenor