New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Joshua James MASTERS

Hearing: 9 May 2018

At Auckland Prison via AVL to New Zealand Parole Board, Wellington

Members of the Board:

• Ms M Coleman – Panel Convenor
• Ms S Driver
• Ms F Pimm

Counsel:

• Mr K Lamb

Support People:

• [withheld]
• [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Joshua James Masters, who is aged 40, appeared before the Board today for further consideration of parole on a 10 year five month sentence for supplying methamphetamine, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and money laundering.
2. Mr Masters’ statutory release date is 5 October 2018.
3. Mr Masters has amassed some 40 convictions including a number for violence.  This is Mr Masters’ seventh term of imprisonment.  It is by far his longest term of imprisonment.
4. Mr Masters was last before the Board in February 2018.  It noted that his ability to engage in the Special Treatment Unit Rehabilitation Programme (STURP) had been impeded by his high security classification but had started one-on-one counselling with the psychologist.  The psychologist assessed Mr Masters as posing a high to moderate risk of re-offending.  The Board also noted Mr Masters’ intention to abide by any non-association conditions that may be imposed by the Board.  This is because Mr Masters has had a prominent position with the Killer Beez.
5. Mr Masters was seeking release on parole today.  He was supported at the hearing by [withheld].  He was represented by Mr Lamb.  Mr Masters has the support of [withheld] who will be providing him with accommodation as from [withheld] July 2018.  Mr Masters also said that [withheld] will assist him with employment and with dealing with [withheld] and some medical issues that he has.
6. The Board has decided that with a release date of October 2018, and with the support of [withheld] and other family members, Mr Masters would not pose an undue risk to the safety of the community between July and October.  It therefore directs his release on parole on [withheld] July 2018.
7. Mr Masters will be subject to a number of special conditions.  These will include non‑association conditions with gang members.  There is the ability for exceptions to be made to this by his probation officer.  Mr Masters has a number of siblings who are involved in gangs and the condition is not intended to impede ordinary family contact.
8. Mr Masters is not to enter any areas where gangs congregate.  This includes fight clubs and gang pads.  He will be subject to GPS monitoring of that whereabouts condition.  Mr Masters, at the hearing today, indicated that he had no issue with any of the conditions that were proposed for him.
9. Another of the conditions is that he is not to possess or consume alcohol or drugs.  Mr Masters indicated he had no problem with that condition as he did not drink or take drugs either.  Nevertheless, the Board reminded him at today’s hearing that his compliance with that condition can be monitored once he is in the community.
10. The Board notes the recommendation of the psychologist that there be a whānau hui held before Mr Masters is released from prison.  In light of the fact there is no bed available to him until July, there is sufficient time for that to be held prior to his release from prison.  For that reason the Board is not going to impose that as a special condition but it expects this whānau hui to happen before July.
11. Mr Masters is not to communicate or associate with [withheld].  [withheld].
12. Mr Masters will be subject to the special conditions set out below along which, along with standard conditions, will remain in place for six months past his statutory release date.
13. The special conditions are as follows:

    (1) To attend an alcohol and/or drug assessment, and undertake and complete any treatment or counselling as directed by a Probation Officer, to the satisfaction of the Probation Officer.

    (2) To attend for a psychological assessment and attend and complete any treatment or counselling as recommended by the assessment, to the satisfaction of a Probation Officer.

    (3) To undertake and complete any other treatment, counselling or programme as directed by a Probation Officer, to the satisfaction of the Probation Officer.

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

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

    (6) To submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a probation officer in order to monitor your compliance with any conditions relating to your whereabouts.

    (7) To comply with the requirements of electronic monitoring and provide unimpeded access to your approved residence by a probation officer and/or representatives of the monitoring company for the purpose of maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment as directed by a probation officer.

    (8) Until your statutory release date, you are not to stay away from your approved address between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am.

    (9) To comply with the tenancy conditions or rules of [withheld] supported accommodation to the satisfaction of a Probation Officer.

    (10) To notify your Probation Officer prior to starting, terminating or changing your position or place of employment.

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

    (12) You are not to enter any places/areas where gangs may congregate, including fight clubs and gang pads, as directed by the Probation Officer.

    (13) You are not to associate with members of any gang, other than individuals specified in writing by the Probation Officer.

    (14) Not to communicate or associate with [withheld], directly or indirectly, unless you have the prior written consent of your Probation Officer.