Rowland Guy HAWKINS 2/6/2021

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Conditions hearing

Under section 18(2) (SRD) of the Parole Act 2002

Rowland Guy HAWKINS

Hearing:                                            2 June 2021

at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison

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

Mr L Tawera

Dr G Coyle


DECISION OF THE BOARD

  1. Rowland Hawkins (52) was scheduled to appear for consideration of parole or the setting of final release conditions. He is serving a 16-year sentence for four counts of rape, kidnapping, and five counts of injuring with intent to injure.
  2. Mr Hawkins has an extensive history of offending beginning in 1984. He has previous convictions for violence, contravening a protection order, injuring with intent to injure with a firearm, and driving while disqualified.
  3. The situation regarding Mr Hawkins is of considerable concern. He is serving a significant sentence and has only participated in limited rehabilitation. In addition, the parole assessment report advises that most interactions with Mr Hawkins are fraught and remain predominantly difficult.
  4. Mr Hawkins has had opportunities to engage with a psychologist and to progress to the selfcare unit but has declined both opportunities.
  5. On 25 May 2021 Mr Hawkins signed a waiver. He does not wish to appear before us because:

    “I would like to decline my Parole Board hearing and I would like to complete my sentence in full without any standard conditions.”

  6. We take this to mean that as Mr Hawkins has served his full sentence, he does not want to be subject to standard or special conditions at his sentence end date.
  7. It is unfortunate that Mr Hawkins has chosen not to attend the hearing today. It would have been a good opportunity to discuss the conditions proposed by Corrections as well as Mr Hawkins’ reasons for his position.
  1. In any event we have gone on to consider Mr Hawkins’ eligibility for parole and failing that the setting of his special conditions for release at his sentence expiry date. His sentence expiry date is 31 July 2021.
  2. The parole assessment report advises that Mr Hawkins completed the adult sex offender treatment programme (ASOTP) in December 2017. He completed a safety plan, but he cannot remember it and does not have a copy.
  3. An extended supervision order has been applied for by Corrections. We expect that to be decided close to Mr Hawkins’ sentence end date.
  4. Mr Hawkins does not have an approved release plan. We note that Mr Hawkins’ offending took place in the Hawkes Bay region, and that both his victims and Mr Hawkins come from (withheld). That information is recorded in the Judge’s sentencing notes and parole assessment report.
  5. Mr Hawkins’ offending is serious, he has served all but one month of his 16-year sentence, he has had limited treatment, his behaviour continues to be of concern, and he does not have a release plan.
  6. We have considered all the information before us and consider that Mr Hawkins continues to be an undue risk. Parole is declined. Mr Hawkins will be released on his sentence end date.
  7. We have considered the comments made by Mr Hawkins both in the parole assessment report and in his waiver regarding the imposition of special and standard conditions. Given the seriousness of his offending together with the limited treatment and poor behaviour in prison we have decided that Mr Hawkins will be subject to standard and special conditions for six months past his sentence end date.
  8. The special conditions are as follows:

(1) To reside at an 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) To submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a probation officer in order to monitor your compliance with any conditions relating to your whereabouts.

(3) 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.

(4) Not to enter the Hawkes Bay region, (withheld), as defined by a Probation Officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

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

(6) To attend, participate in and complete (withheld) programme 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) 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.

(9) 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.

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

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

Ms T Williams Blyth

Panel Convenor