New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Peter James LINTON

Hearing: 11 February 2020

at Rolleston Prison via AVL to NZPB Offices, Wellington

Members of the Board: Ms T Williams Blyth (Panel Convenor)

Mr J Thomson

Ms F Pimm

In Attendance:                                  [withheld] – Case Manager

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Peter Linton (74) appears for consideration of parole on an eight-year three-month cumulative sentence for serious sexual offending against five victims.  The first period of his offending was between September 2000 and February 2007.  The other offences occurred on 1 January 1985.
2. Mr Linton has a history of sexual offending against young boys.  His first convictions for child sex offending were entered in 1967.
3. His sentence end date is 16 June 2022.  There is approximately two years three months left on his sentence.
4. The parole assessment report advises that there have been no incidents or misconducts in prison.  Mr Linton is described as compliant.
5. Rehabilitation for Mr Linton is another issue.  He has declined to take part in the Kia Marama child sex offender programme (KM-CSO).  He is wait listed for the short motivational programme (SMP).  If Mr Linton does not take part in KM-CSO, there is the option of one-to-one work with a psychologist.
6. Mr Linton has previously completed eight sessions with a psychologist. He does not remember the treatment he received or the relapse prevention strategies.  He lacks motivation to attend treatment.
7. The psychological report completed in January 2018 assesses that his overall risk of sexual re-offending is high.  No protective factors were identified.
8. Mr Linton confirmed today that he declined to do KM-CSO.  This is because of [withheld].  He says he has had [withheld] and there is a lot of stress involved in KM-CSO.  He feels he cannot do it and has declined.
9. Mr Linton does not feel that he is a risk to the community.  He has his [withheld] and the [withheld] are prepared to help him.  He also referred to the restrictions that would be placed on him by his Probation Officer.
10. He acknowledged being wait listed for a motivation course.  He thinks it will be a good thing to do.  His proposal on release is to reside with the [withheld].  He has been interviewed and accepted but there is a one year waiting list.  He is looking at another address with [withheld] from the [withheld].
11. Mr Linton is not expecting parole today.  His friends from the [withheld] will be attending the next hearing.
12. [withheld] (case manager) confirmed that Mr Linton has been accepted by [withheld].  He is scheduled to complete SMP in the second half of this year.
13. No issues were raised by the PCO (Principal Corrections Officer).
14. Mr Linton has an extensive history and he is untreated.  The Board supports Mr Linton completing SMP.  He is then encouraged to reconsider taking part in either KM-CSO or one-to-one work with a psychologist.
15. In the meantime, his risk remains undue and parole is declined.  Mr Linton will be seen for further consideration of parole in February 2021 and no later than 28 February 2021.