New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Michelle BLOM

Hearing: 30 January 2018

at Arohata Prison

Members of the Board:

• Mr N Trendle (Panel Convenor)
• Mr L Tawera
• Ms G Hughes

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Michelle Blom is making a further appearance before the Board on a sentence of two years nine months imprisonment for her role in the kidnapping of a victim who was very seriously assaulted by co-offenders.  She has little over 12 months remaining on that sentence with a statutory release date of 16 February 2019.
2. Since Ms Blom last appeared before the Board she has completed the Drug Treatment Programme.  The report available to us indicates that she worked very hard on that programme.  She is presently wait-listed for the Short Rehabilitation Programme.
   Ms Blom has recently been assessed by [withheld] and the Board has received a letter dated 25 January 2018 indicating that she has been accepted onto their programme beginning 12 February 2018.  Thereafter, she will have the accommodation and support of [withheld].
3. Ms Koncade was scheduled to appear again for Ms Blom.  She was unable to do so, being engaged in Court in Auckland.  She did however file written submissions that the Board has had the opportunity to consider.  Those submissions emphasise the progress made by Ms Blom on the Drug Treatment Programme and her positive notes of her time in prison.  She submitted that Ms Blom ought to have the opportunity to attend the [withheld] programme in preference to the Short Rehabilitation Programme for which she remains planned.
4. The Board discussed with Ms Blom the work that she did on the Drug Treatment Programme.  In particular Ms Blom outlined the change in her mindset from one who invariably went along with others, to a person who will take the initiative and challenge herself.  She was able to provide examples where she had taken an initiative in the prison environment.  She has also substituted good communication skills for aggression.
5. The Board notes the correspondence received from [withheld].  We are mindful of her role in what was particularly serious offending.  We are of the view that Ms Blom’s rehabilitation is best continued at this point in a further intensive programme to address substance abuse issues.  Accordingly, we direct her release on parole on 12 February 2018.
6. Thereafter she will be subject to standard conditions and the special conditions set out below for a period expiring six months after her statutory release date.  The conditions provide for Mr Blom’s participation in the [withheld] programme and a continuation of her reintegration through [withheld].  She will be subject to a condition that she not possess, use or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances.  She will accordingly, be subject to the statutory drug and alcohol testing regime which means she can be required by her probation officer or a police officer to submit to drug and alcohol testing or monitoring at any time and without cause.
7. Release accordingly.  Special conditions as follows:

   (1) If directed, to attend a reintegration hui with your support network at a time and place to be determined by your Probation Officer.

   (2) Not to possess or consume alcohol or use a controlled drug or psychoactive substance.

   (3) Undertake and complete any programme, counselling or treatment (including the Short Rehabilitation Programme) as directed by your Probation Officer, to the satisfaction of the Probation Officer.

   (4) To attend and complete the [withheld] programme to the satisfaction of your Probation Officer

   (5) To reside at [withheld] or at an address approved by a Probation Officer and not move from that address without the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

   (6) To comply with the tenancy conditions and the rules of [withheld] while in residence, to the satisfaction of your Probation Officer.

   (7) Not to have contact or otherwise associate with the victim of your offending, directly or indirectly, unless you have the prior written consent of your Probation Officer.