New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Daniella Kohuroa BOWMEN

Hearing: 5 May 2017 At [Withheld]

Members of the Board:

• Hon. M A Frater (Panel Convenor)
• Judge A Kiernan
• Assoc. Prof. P Brinded
• Ms T Williams-Blyth

Counsel:

• [Withheld]

In attendance:

• [Withheld]

Support Persons:

• [Withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD
1. We have seen Daniella Bowmen once again in connection with parole.

2. She is serving a life sentence of imprisonment for murder.  That was in 1999.  Over the past 18 years she spent all but six months in prison.

3. She was released and recalled in 2014.

4. Ms Bowmen did not seek parole today.

5. As has happened previously, the good progress she was making in reintegrating into the community was brought to a halt, just two weeks ago, when she was taken off release to work, removed from the self care unit, and brought back onto mainstream.  Once again, the issue related to the way in which she dealt with a relationship – this time, with a co-worker at the [Withheld] Distribution Centre.

6. Ms Bowmen is currently housed in the Maori Focus Unit [Withheld], and working as a painter.

7. She is well supported by [Withheld] both of whom were present today.  They live in [Withheld] and are endeavouring to find accommodation for her in that area.

8. When she appeared before the last Board Ms Bowman proposed being released to live with her [Withheld].  However, in the course of a whānau hui in August last year she was able to tell [Withheld] that she could not live with her, while [Withheld] lived there.

9. In our view Ms Bowmen would be assisted by the resumption of individual psychological counselling to address the difficulties which have led to her regression.

10. We also support a further whānau hui, this time in [Withheld], and after approved accommodation has been found there.  We expect that Ms Bowmen will be able to attend this, and other relevant activities in the community under the guided release scheme.

11. Others who should attend the hui include [Withheld], her prospective probation officer, her case manager and, if possible, the psychologist who has been working with her.  This would provide an opportunity for Ms Bowmen to tell her supporters about her high risk situations, and for firm plans to be put in place to assist her eventual safe release.

12. Parole is declined today.  Ms Bowmen did not seek it.

13. Her next hearing will be during the week beginning 25 September 2017, and before the end of that month, at the latest.  A brief memorandum from her treating psychologist is required for that hearing, as well as a robust release and relapse and prevent plan.  A residential restrictions report is also required.

Hon. M A Frater
Panel Convenor