New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Sharleen Louise LYNCH

Hearing: 6 September 2018

at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility

via AVL from Arohata Women’s Prison

Members of the Board: .

• Ms T Williams Blyth (Panel Convenor)
• Sir Ron Young (Chairperson)
• Ms S Driver
• Mr D Hauraki

Counsel:

• Mr A McCormick

Support Persons:

• [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Sharleen Lynch (38) appears for consideration of parole.  She is serving a four year sentence for blackmail and fraud.
2. Ms Lynch has previous convictions for fraud and blackmail.  The victim of the blackmail offending in 2005 and 2011 is the same.  In addition, the victim of the offending is also a defendant in the fraud offending.
3. Within the prison setting Ms Lynch has a RoC*RoI of 0.08403, a prison security classification of minimum and a statutory release date of 4 May 2019.  There is approximately eight months left on her sentence.
4. When she last appeared, Ms Lynch was engaged in reintegration activities including self‑care shopping.  The Board considered that further consolidation was needed.
5. The parole assessment report advises that Ms Lynch incurred a misconduct on 23 March 2018 and there was an incident on 10 May 2018.  Initially, Ms Lynch had been approved for release to work and guided release.  Approval was revoked following a misconduct.  The file note in May was incurred for becoming verbally abusive to a staff member.
6. At the outset of today’s hearing, counsel referred to the written submissions, particularly what he saw as the highlights.  One of those highlights was identified as Ms Lynch coming to terms with her offending.  An explanation was provided for the misconduct.
7. Ms Lynch described being threatened to take the lozenges.  That threat included another prisoner using a hand against her throat.  Ms Lynch advises that she did go to a senior officer to complain but nothing was done.
8. She described the Kowhiritanga programme as amazing.  She had become more assertive and learned more problem-solving skills.
9. With regard to the blackmail and taking responsibility, until six months ago she did not understand why she was charged and convicted for fraud.  However, after reading all the paperwork she now knows that she is 100 percent responsible for the fraud that she and her victim perpetrated.
10. Ms Lynch’s plan is to [withheld], engage with problem gambling, enrol at polytech in a veterinary science programme and volunteer at the animal shelter.
11. Her support people in the community are [withheld].  She has known both of these people for some time.  For [withheld], that has been for nine years.
12. She believes her gambling issue will in some way be addressed as she has requested a multi-venue exclusion.  That will prevent her from entering any gambling establishments.
13. Ms Lynch says that she is now mentally stable and is likely to be on medication for depression for the rest of her life.
14. Taking all matters into consideration, the Board is of the view that Ms Lynch no longer poses an undue risk and parole is granted.  She will be released on parole on [withheld] October 2018.  She will be subject to standard and special conditions for six months past her statutory release date.
15. Prior to her release, the Board requests that a reintegration hui take place.  That hui should include her probation officer and all those who will be supporting her in the community.
16. The special conditions are:

    (1) To attend, participate in and adhere to the rules of a maintenance group.

    (2) To attend and complete an appropriate gambling programme to the satisfaction of your Probation Officer and programme provider. Details of the appropriate programme to be determined by your Probation Officer.

    (3) To attend an assessment for any counselling, treatment or programme if directed by a Probation Officer. To attend and complete an appropriate programme if and as recommended by the assessment to the satisfaction of your Probation Officer and programme provider. Details of the appropriate programme to be determined by your Probation Officer.

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

    (5) To gain the written approval your Probation Officer prior to starting, terminating or changing your position or place of employment or training either paid or unpaid.

    (6) Not to be involved in the handling or management of the money, or the financial accounts or transactions, of any other person, organisation, or business, without the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

    (7) To disclose to a probation officer, at the earliest opportunity, details of any intimate relationship which commences, resumes, or terminates.

    (8) 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.

    (9) Not to enter any premises with gaming/gambling machines unless you have the prior written consent of your Probation Officer.