New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Johnny Idolf MANU

Hearing: 14 May 2018

at Rimutaka Prison

Members of the Board:

• Mr N Trendle – Panel Convenor
• Ms W Taumaunu
• Mr R Gray

Counsel: Mr M Kilbride

In attendance:

• [withheld]
• [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Johnny Idolf Manu is serving a life sentence for murder, imposed in September 1999.  He presently holds a special patient status and when he last appeared before the Board he was in [withheld].  Since then he has moved to [withheld] which are onsite.  He has also occasionally experienced short periods of unescorted leave although, as his counsel, Mr Kilbride, explained it, on those leaves he is “shadowed” by a member of staff.
2. Mr Kilbride commented that the reports he had received indicated Mr Manu was doing very well.  The pathway intended for him by [withheld] was in his view realistic.  He had been undertaking therapeutic work and was enjoying his time in the [withheld] cottage.  He understood that in due course Mr Manu would qualify to transition into different hospital accommodation on the grounds.  That would be a gradual process.
3. [withheld], who is Mr Manu’s responsible clinician, attended the Board and confirmed the positive progress that Mr Manu has been making.  He said that due to Mr Manu’s complex needs, progress is gradual and over the next two years he should continue along the pathway leading to more open accommodation on the hospital grounds.  [withheld] reported that whilst when he is on leave in the community a staff member will always be involved supervising Mr Manu when it comes to money, as that is a key factor in terms of his risk.
4. [withheld], who is Mr Manu’s forensic nurse, also confirmed his positive interaction with staff in his present circumstances.  He engages well with therapeutic staff and occupational therapy staff and positively engages with the psychologist.
5. For his part Mr Manu told us that he had no issues with his medication regime.  He had been on it for over 20 years and accepted that he would require to be on it for life.  It manages voices that he hears.  It enables him to deal with any circumstances where others would try to provoke him.  He remains working at [withheld] on the hospital grounds and enjoys the physical activity.  Mr Manu also outlined the various personal development and other courses that he has engaged in, including drug and alcohol and domestic violence counselling.
6. The Board notified Mr Manu when he last appeared that a postponement order would be considered on this occasion.  Having heard from [withheld], the Board is of the view that whilst it is unlikely he will be in a position where the Board would be considering him for release in two years, that would mark the appropriate time for him to be seen again as there would be a clear idea as to his future pathway in that timeframe. Accordingly, the Board declines to make a postponement order today.
7. Mr Kilbride did not seek a release on parole.  He accepted that Mr Manu’s special patient status would inure.  The Board notes the positive progress that Mr Manu continues to make.  He will be scheduled to return before the Board in two years, by 13 May 2020.  As on this occasion, it is highly desirable that the hearing be on a face to face basis.
8. When Mr Manu returns to the Board, we request an updating report from his responsible clinician.