New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Timothy David TAYLOR

Hearing: 6 September 2018

at Christchurch Men’s Prison via AVL from New Zealand Parole Board, Wellington

Members of the Board:

• Mr N Trendle – Panel Convenor
• Judge C Blackie
• Ms F Pimm
• Assoc Prof. P Brinded

Counsel:

• Mr M Starling

Support Persons:

• [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Timothy David Taylor was sentenced to life imprisonment on 25 May 2000 for the murder of Lisa Blakie.  He became eligible for parole in February 2012 but at previous hearings, the Board has not been satisfied that his release would not pose an undue risk to the safety of the community.
2. Mr Taylor was represented by his counsel, Mr Starling, who was appearing on the instructions of Mr Hall QC. Mr Starling advised the Board that Mr Taylor was not expecting release on parole today. He acknowledged that in the last 12 months there have been misconducts against his name. Most recently, that involved the attempted introduction of contraband. Accordingly, his security classification has increased from low to low/medium. He advised that Mr Taylor had nevertheless been maintaining contact with his support. To some extent, he has been treading water but he accepts that is largely due to his own actions.  He is now resolved to commit himself to his release plan which he hoped to be in a position to put before the Board in 12 months time. That involved a transition into the Self Care Units and, ultimately, release to (withheld)
3. Mr Taylor has completed much of his rehabilitation activity with his graduation from the Special Treatment Unit Rehabilitation Programme. He has maintained contact with the Problem Gambling Foundation. He told us he meets three weekly for counselling. It seems, however, Mr Taylor has until recently been unable to separate himself from gambling activity. It resulted in a debt that contributed directly to his last misconduct.
4. Mr Taylor is well aware of what he needs to do to regain lost ground. He needs to take responsibility for his own actions. He told us that he had the tools in place but he had not used them. One of his supporters made it plain to Mr Taylor that a significant period of time is needed to prove that he can comply with rules and that he can demonstrate self-regulation to allow those who are available to him as support to resume the work for him so far as his long-term release plan is concerned.
5. The psychological report prepared for today’s hearing recommended no further psychological treatment at this stage. It was recommended that Mr Taylor should direct his attention to his rule breaking tendencies. Once his security classification was reduced he should resume a reintegration pathway.
6. Parole today is declined. The Board acknowledges the submissions made on behalf of Mr Taylor and those of his supporters. They all point in the same direction. It is over to him to take the obvious course that is before him. We are not satisfied that the timeframe proposed by counsel would provide sufficient opportunity for Mr Taylor to demonstrate what is required.  He will be scheduled to return to the Board in 18 months, by 31 March 2020.