New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Robin James PITNEY

Hearing: 8 May 2020

at Rolleston Prison

Via AVL to New Zealand Parole Board Offices

Members of the Board:

Judge G F Ellis (Panel Convenor)

Ms W Taumaunu

Mr A Spierling

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Robin James Pitney is serving a life sentence for murder and aggravated robbery.
2. His sentence now includes other offences committed at times when he was released on parole in 2004, 2015, 2017.  His sentence commencement date was 19 June 1992 and his parole eligibility date was 28 June 2017.
3. On 9 March 2020 the Board decided to release him on 24 April to [withheld] for a six month intensive residential rehab programme.  On 2 April, before his date for release, that decision was revoked because, following the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, [withheld] were not taking any new inductions.
4. The Board now has an update memorandum from the Department of Corrections dated 4 May 2020 advising that [withheld] have offered Mr Pitney a new admission date of Tuesday, 26 May 2020 subject to his release being confirmed by the Board.
5. Mr Pitney attended before the Board by AVL.  He was aware of the date offered by [withheld].  He was enthusiastic about taking up that offer.  There were no other matters that he wished to raise with the Board.
6. Subsequent to talking with Mr Pitney, we also conferred briefly with his lawyer Mr Starling who had been available to support Mr Pitney but for technological reasons had not been connected at the same time.  He confirmed Mr Pitney's willingness to take up that offer of [withheld] and the matter has concluded on that basis.
7. The Board now confirms the decision from 9 March, varying the release date to 26 May 2020, but otherwise maintaining the directions as were stated in that earlier decision, including the direction for a monitoring hearing in November 2020.
8. The Special Conditions are:

(1) Upon release from prison, to travel directly to [withheld], and await the arrival of a Probation Officer and a representative from the monitoring company.

(2) 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.

(3) To attend, participate in and complete the [withheld] and abide by the rules of the programme, and any tenancy rules in respect of the residence, as directed by a Probation Officer.

(4) To submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a Probation Officer and comply with the requirements of full residential restrictions daily, unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer, or as permitted by section 33(4) of the Parole Act 2002.

(5) 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.

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

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

(8) Not to enter [withheld], unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

(9) To attend a reintegration meeting as directed by a Probation Officer.

(10) To disclose to a Probation Officer, at the earliest opportunity, details of any intimate relationship which commences, resumes, or terminates.

(11) 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.

(12) 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.”