New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Robert Stanley LYON

Hearing: Wednesday 1 September 2021

at Waikeria Prison via Teleconference

Members of the Board: Sir Ron Young – Chairperson

Prof. P Brinded

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Mr Lyon was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, rape, and arson in 2002. He had no previous convictions prior to that time
2. We saw him last in February 2021. At that stage he had completed the Adult Sex Offender Treatment Programme, the DTP and one-on-one counselling, he had made excellent progress in all of the above. He had completed a master’s degree and was looking to do a PhD at [withheld] and the possibility of a transfer to [withheld] was then considered. However, because [withheld] did not have the facilities to facilitate any form of Release to Work arrangement, Mr Lyon decided to stay at Waikeria. He was then undertaking Release to Work. In the long-term, he wanted to pursue his PhD.
3. As to the current position, Mr Lyon has continued to have good reports within the prison and with his release to work employment at Waikeria.
4. He had hoped to have a transfer to [withhel] but as we have said it was not possible for him to do so and have guided releases to [withheld]. And so, it was agreed he would stay at Waikeria Prison. He has continued on Release to Work and he has done very well.
5. He has now had a day and overnight trip to his proposed accommodation at [withheld]. He stayed overnight at the [withheld] and he also had the opportunity [withheld] talking to a supervisor who it is hoped will supervise his PhD.
6. We are satisfied that Mr Lyon is no longer an undue risk can be released. He has completed all of his rehabilitation and has completed it well. He has completed his reintegration. His work on Release to Work has been very positive. He has managed to save significant funds which will help him on his release. His behaviour on the guided release to [withheld] was said to be appropriate.
7. Mr Lyon can now be released and will be released on 27 September. The special conditions will be as provided for in the parole assessment report with some amendments and some changes. Firstly, the curfew will end three months from 27 September. We will see him by way of a monitoring hearing in February 2022. As to the geographical restrictions relating to the whereabouts condition, we have decided to expand them somewhat as acknowledgement of victim concerns by providing that Mr Lyon is prohibited from going to the South Island. We will see him again at a monitoring hearing by the end of February 2022.  When we see him again in February 2022 the length of the special conditions will be able to be reviewed and that will no doubt be to a degree informed by Mr Lyon’s conduct in the meantime.
8. The Special Conditions are:

(1) To reside at [withheld], Palmerston North, 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.

(2) Until 26 December 2021 to be at your approved address between the hours of 8pm and 6am daily unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

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

(4) Not to enter the South Island unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

(5) To submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a Probation Officer in order to monitor your compliance with any conditions relating to your whereabouts.

(6) 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.

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

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

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

(10) 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.

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

(12) 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.

(13) 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 by the end of February 2022.

“Please note: you may be required to undergo a drug or alcohol test and or submit to drug or alcohol monitoring.”