New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Opal TAYLOR

Hearing: 3 October 2019

At Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility

Members of the Board:

• Ms M More – Panel Convenor
• Mr G Crowley
• Mr L Comer

Counsel:                                          

• Ms L Grant

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Opal Taylor is 62, she appears for consideration on parole for a sentence of two years and six months for 14 charges of fraud.  The victim of Ms Taylor’s fraud is the Hastings District Council. She was employed there when she created false invoices.
2. Ms Taylor has a RoC*Rol of .04671, her parole eligibility date is 16 April 2019, her statutory release date is 14 December 2020, she has one year two months remaining on her sentence.
3. Ms Taylor’s prison security classification is minimum, her behaviour is good, she is noted as being compliant and having a good attitude.  The Principal Corrections Officer said they have no issues.
4. Ms Taylor was represented by counsel who helpfully filed submissions in advance and appeared in support.  Counsel advocated that Ms Taylor could be released on parole, that her risk of re-offending is low, that she has completed all of her programmed rehabilitation, and that any concerns raised from previous parole appearances have been met.
5. Ms Taylor has approved accommodation at [withheld].  Ms Taylor spoke well to the Board, she told us that she is hoping for a better future, that she has lowered her standards, that she has changed her thought patterns and has learned the danger of not being emotionally healthy.
6. Ms Taylor appears to have a robust release plan, she tells us that [withheld] may have employment for her once she has completed her time at [withheld], and she wishes to be independent.
7. On the information before the Board we find that Ms Taylor’s risk is not undue, [and] she will be released on parole.
8. The Board discussed the proposed special conditions with Ms Taylor, we have added some conditions relating to access to financial services.
9. Ms Taylor will be released on 14 October 2019; the standard and special conditions imposed will go until her statutory release date.

   (1) To obtain the written approval of a Probation Officer before starting or changing your position and/or place of employment (including voluntary and unpaid work). To notify a Probation Officer if you leave your position of employment.

   (2) 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.

   (3) 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.

   (4) To attend, participate in, and complete the [withheld] programme to the satisfaction of a Probation Officer and the programme provider.

   (5) Upon release from prison to travel directly to [withheld].

   (6) To be at your approved address between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am daily unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

   (7) To comply with any tenancy agreement or rules issued by the provider of your approved accommodation.

   (8) Not to be involved in the handling of money, provision of advice or management of the financial accounts or transactions, of any person or entity, unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer.

   (9) Not to give financial or business advice to any person or entity unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer.

   (10) Not to engage in any employment or have any role in the affairs of any business, trust, company or other entity, unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer.