New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing
Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Richard MILLER

Hearing: 4 April 2017 at [Withheld] via AVL to [Withheld]

Members of the Board:

• Hon. J W Gendall QC – Panel Convenor
• Ms S Pakura
• Mr D Hauraki

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Richard Miller is serving a sentence of six years and nine months imprisonment for serious sexual crimes against four victims.  This involved rape (x)3, indecent assault (x2), unlawful sexual connection (x2), indecent assault, and obstructing or perverting the course of justice.

2. Mr Miller’s parole eligibility date was 20 April 2011 and his sentence end date is 18 October 2017.

3. He was last seen by the Board on 2 November 2016, which noted that he denied his offending, and he alleged collusion between the victims, their families and the police.  He had had one-to-one psychological treatment (14 sessions) “on the basis that he hypothetically offended”.  That seems to be a curious position.

4. He has made no progress since the 2 November 2016 hearing.  The parole assessment report says that Mr Miller is adamant he would not comply with any Board requirements and intends to “complete his full sentence”.

5. He has waived his attendance today.

6. Psychological opinion is to the effect that he is a high risk sexual offender.  In our judgment he remains an undue risk to the safety of the community.  Accordingly, he does not meet the statutory criteria for release on parole.  It is declined, and he will be seen again in the month of September this year that is at the latest before 30 September 2017 in order that final release conditions may be fixed.

Hon. J W Gendall QC
Panel Convenor