New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Fergus John GLEN

Hearing: 16 May 2019

at Rimutaka Prison

via AVL to New Zealand Parole Board, Wellington

Members of the Board:

• Judge E Paul – Panel Convenor
• Mr B McMurray
• Assoc Prof. P Brinded

Counsel:

• Ms J Fyfe

Supporter:

• [withheld]

In Attendance:

• [withheld]
• [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Fergus Glen appears for parole consideration. He is supported at this hearing by his counsel Ms Fyfe. Also present is [withheld].
2. Mr Glen is serving a life sentence for the murder of his brother in 2003 where the significant consumption of alcohol was a feature.
3. When last seen by the Board in November 2018 it was noted he was in self-care and undertaking release to work. That he had been working outside the wire for five years prior to release to work. That he had been three years in self-care and had been on a staggering number of shopping trips, numbering a total of 63. He had completed all psychological work. He was assessed as a low risk of offending, but if he did re-offend it would be severely violent. At that point he had a scheduled bed with [withheld] in June 2019. It was recommended there be multidisciplinary meetings in advance of that date and also he continue working with [withheld].
4. A multidisciplinary meeting was held on 3 March and we have the record of that. At that stage accommodation was an action point along with an updating psychologist’s report and a further hui with Mr Glen himself.
5. We have now had confirmation today that Mr Glen has a bed available on [withheld] October 2019 with [withheld]. Apart from the various agencies he has the support of his elderly mother, who is still independent. His plan is to continue with his employment at [withheld].
6. This man has completed his rehabilitation some time ago.  He has undertaken years of reintegration work without incident.
7. This Board is now satisfied given the supported accommodation he has available and the various other supports he has in the community, including employment agencies and his mother that he can be released on parole.
8. We are satisfied he no longer presents an undue risk to the safety of the community.  That any residual risk can be met by conditions.
9. Mr Glen will be released on parole on [withheld] October 2019. He will be subject to standard conditions for life. He will be subject to special conditions five years from his release date.
10. This Board is satisfied there should be a further special condition that Mr Glen attends a progress hearing no later than the end of February 2020.
11. That will give the Board an opportunity to assess his progress in the community and also review his special conditions at that time.
12. Those special conditions are as follows:

    (1) To reside at [withheld] or any other address approved in writing by a Probation Officer, and not move from that address unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

    (2) To attend an alcohol and drug assessment, and attend, participate in and complete any treatment or counselling directed by a Probation Officer.

    (3) To attend an assessment for a departmental programme/maintenance group, and attend, participate in and adhere to the rules of the programme/maintenance group as directed by a Probation Officer.

    (4) To attend a psychological assessment and attend, participate in and complete any recommended treatment as directed by a Probation Officer.

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

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

    (7) 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.

    Please note: you may be required to undergo a drug or alcohol test and or submit to drug or alcohol monitoring.