New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Sammy AYOUN SOUD

Hearing: 07 December 2020

at Springhill Correction Facility

Members of the Board: Mr N Trendle – Panel Convenor

Mr B McMurray – Board Member

Mr M Kleist – Board Member

Counsel:                                           Ms M Dyhrberg QC

Ms H Hellyer

Support Persons:                            (withheld)

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Sammy Ayoun Soud is serving a sentence of two years one month’s imprisonment for wounding with reckless disregard to the safety of others.  He has 13 months remaining on that sentence with a statutory release date of 19 January 2022.
2. When Mr Ayoun Soud last appeared before the Board he was participating in the Drug Treatment Programme.  His application to attend a Retreat 30-day intensive programme as an alternative was not accepted by the Board and he subsequently continued to complete the Drug Treatment Programme.  He graduated last week.
3. The report refers to Mr Ayoun Soud as going from “strength to strength” on the programme.  He has now moved into self-care and is working in the kitchen.  There are no concerns with his conduct or compliance.
4. Mr Ayoun Soud was represented by his counsel, Ms Dyhrberg QC, who filed extensive written submissions in advance of the hearing in support of his release on parole.  Mr Ayoun Soud would be living with (withheld) in (withheld).  His partner visits the address weekends but may move in with (withheld) once he is released.  His (withheld) will provide a strong no alcohol pro-social force.  Mr Ayoun Soud had a confirmed offer of work for a marine detailing company.  He is proposing to resume and complete is degree studies next year.
5. The Board accepts the submission that he is at low risk of re-offending and most unlikely to repeat the offending that brought him to prison. Having regard to the progress that he has made on this sentence and to the support available to him in the community, we are satisfied that for the balance of his sentence, his release would pose no undue risk to the safety of the community.
6. Accordingly, we direct his release on parole on 21 December 2020.  Thereafter, until his statutory release date, he will be subject to standard conditions and the special conditions set out below.
7. We impose a curfew condition that will remain in force for two months and then expire.  He is also subject to a condition that he is not to use, possess or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances.  He will accordingly be subject to the statutory drug and alcohol testing regime and may be required by a probation officer or police officer to submit to drug and alcohol testing or monitoring.
8. Upon release, his special conditions are as follows:

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

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

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

(5) For two months from the date of your release, to be at your approved address between the hours of 10pm and 6am daily unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.