Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Lou HARRISON

Hearing:                                            15 November 2021

at SHCF Prison via Teams

Members of the Board:                   Mr N Trendle – Panel Convenor

Mr P Elenio

Sir Kim Workman

In Attendance:                                  (withheld) - Case Manager

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Lou Harrison is making a further appearance before the Board on a sentence of seven years’ imprisonment for serious sexual offending against a 16-year-old victim. The offending occurred in the context of a gang-related sexual assault. His statutory release date is 21 August 2024.
2. Mr Harrison completed rehabilitation programmes in April having graduated from the Adult Sex Offender Treatment Programme. He was exited from the Drug Treatment Programme in May last year, but has completed the Intensive AOD Programme. He is currently in the internal selfcare units, although is about to move from there with the closure of the units at Springhill Corrections Facility. He is working on the Internal Grounds Team. There has been one misconduct since he was last before the Board with a gang-related picture in his cell.
3. Contrary to the Board’s comment previously, and to his statements to his psychologist, he does not appear to have foregone his relationship with Black Power. That, of course, has family roots, but Mr Harrison whilst acknowledging that he should maintain his distance from other Black Power associates has yet to make the appropriate commitment.
4. Upon release he is proposing to live with a family friend in (withheld). He described his accommodation sponsor as “second family”. There is a long association and on the face of it the proposal seems viable. Mr Harrison’s case manager told us that Community Corrections had not yet been able to confirm the availability of the address for electronic monitoring. It was also suggested that if he were transferred to Whanganui Prison a reintegration hui would be arranged.
5. Despite a minor blip recently with the misconduct, Mr Harrison has made good progress in prison. The Board supports the plan suggested by his case manager with respect to a transfer to a prison closer to his release proposal. We also support a reintegration hui being facilitated to involve his supporter in the (withheld) area.
6. For today parole is declined. Mr Harrison will be scheduled to return to the Board in two months, by 31 January 2022. For that hearing the Board requests an updated parole assessment report with respect to electronic monitoring from his proposed release address and the outcome of the reintegration hui referred to.