New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Dane Anthoney BLAKE

Hearing: 10 December 2018

at Otago Corrections Facility via AVL from Auckland Prison

Members of the Board:

• Judge A Neil MacLean – Panel Convenor
• Mr L Comer
• Ms G Hughes

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Dane Anthoney Blake is before the Board for the second time.  He is well into a five-year six-month sentence for supplying methamphetamine and other drug offending but in particular manslaughter.  That related to the death of his son through what the Judge at the time described as “incredible, unbearable act of stupidity”.  His statutory release date is 4 January 2022.
2. Since his appearance before the Board last December he has completed psychological one-on-one treatment with his final session today.
3. He has completed the Drug Treatment Programme (DTP) phases 1 and 2 with a good report.
4. He has tabled a comprehensive well thought out safety plan and an insightful letter has also been tabled.
5. His behaviour in prison has been impeccable with a good work ethic.  He has been approved for shopping under GPS at the local [withheld] supermarket although that has not yet happened.
6. There is no note received from the psychologist probably because today is the last day for the session, but we do have a letter confirming attendance with a mental health counsellor.
7. The overall assessment appears to be of low risk if he was released now with appropriate conditions.
8. Of particular significance is that he has strong family support and a place to live and work at [withheld].
9. The Board concludes that release on parole is appropriate now on the standard and following special conditions to run through to his sentence end date.
10. The Board also directs that there be a monitoring on the papers in May 2019.
11. He will be released on parole on [withheld] January 2019.
12. Although it was not in the recommended special conditions we have added, after discussion with him, an abstinence provision.  In the course of that we outlined to him the implications of that in terms of random testing and/or liability for monitoring.
13. The following standard and special conditions are imposed until 6 June 2020:

    (1) Undertake and complete appropriate treatment/counselling to the satisfaction of the Probation Officer and treatment provider. The details of the counselling or treatment to be determined by your Probation Officer.

    (2) To notify your Probation Officer before entering into any intimate relationships.

    (3) To reside at [withheld] and not to move from that address without the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

    (4) Not to be in the sole care of, or, in a position of responsibility for any person under 16 years of age, without the prior written approval of your Probation Officer

    (5) You are not to have contact or otherwise associate with the victim(s) of your offending, directly or indirectly, unless you have the prior written consent of your Probation Officer.

    (6) Not to travel north of State Highway 73 (Kumara-Otira Highway) without the prior approval of your Probation Officer.

    (7) Not to possess, use, or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances except controlled drugs prescribed for you by a health professional.

    (8) To comply with any direction made under section 29B(2)(b) of the Parole Act 2002 to attend a hearing at a time and place to be notified to you.