Daniel Sokoleti VILIAMI - 08/11/2016

Parole hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Daniel Sokoleti VILIAMI

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]
  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld]

Counsel:

  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld]

Support Persons:

  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Thirty-nine year old Daniel Sokoleti Viliami is serving a life sentence of imprisonment for the murder of his partner 14 years ago.

2. On his last Board appearance, in June this year, Mr Viliami had recently cleared his IDU status, had begun working outside the wire in the refurbishment yard and was residing in [Withheld].  Although he continued to be well supported by [Withheld], some concern was expressed about problematic behaviour which he still needed to address.  To that end, the Board, while declined parole, supported his engagement in all available reintegrative activities so that he could be properly tested before today’s hearing.

3. During the past five months Mr Viliami has continued that positive progress.  He has not been mentioned in any incident or misconduct reports and he has remained IDU free.  Significantly, he has also maintained the minimum security classification which he first attained in April 2010.

4. In July this year he was approved as a shopper in the Internal Self Care Unit and since then he has participated in numerous escorted outings to the local supermarket.

5. In August, Mr Viliami took another step along his reintegration pathway when he transferred to [Withheld].  During his time there he has been working with [Withheld] on his safety and relapse prevention plan and continued working in the refurbishment yard, with good reports.

6. Mr Viliami’s counsel, [Withheld], sought his release on parole.  He noted the [Withheld] support available to his client and his commitment to maintaining a drug free lifestyle, which we acknowledge.

7. Nor is there any doubt that Mr Viliami has made, and continues to make, significant progress.  However, the length of time he has spent in custody, the young age at which he came to prison, and his relatively recent IDU status after he had completed the Drug Treatment Programme, all give us cause to be cautious.

8. We were told today that Mr Viliami has been approved for Release to Work which he will [Withheld].  It seems to us that this is an excellent opportunity, which he should take.  We also support his engagement in any other available reintegrative activities, including temporary releases to attend [Withheld]  in the community.

9. Parole is declined today.  Mr Viliami has not yet reached the point where we can be satisfied that he will no longer pose an undue risk to the safety of the community on release.

10. His next hearing will be in May 2017.  We make no promises as to the outcome at that stage.

11. An updated psychological report is not required for that hearing.

Hon. M A Frater
Panel Convenor