New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Timothy David TAYLOR

Hearing: 9 March 2021

at Christchurch Men’s Prison

Members of the Board: Sir Ron Young – Chairperson

Assoc. Prof. P Brinded

Mr CKing

Ms T Sharkey

Counsel:                                           Mr P Hall QC

Support Persons: (withheld)

In Attendance:           (withheld)

Ms S Naylor – Media Liaison

Ms A Leask – Media Representative

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Mr Taylor was convicted of murder in 2005.  His security classification is minimum.  He is 51 years of age.  Mr Taylor has a long history of extremely worrying violent offending before that including a rape, supplying drugs, aggravated robbery and kidnapping.  Mr Taylor has always denied the offences.
2. We saw him in March 2020.  At that stage Mr Taylor had completed all of the rehabilitation programmes suggested for him, including the STURP and the DTP.  He was on reintegration and had the real possibility of parole.  However, Mr Taylor used synthetic cannabis and as a result, was moved back inside the wire and his security rating was accordingly adjusted upwards.  We then said that Mr Taylor needed to show that he could behave over an extended period of time and in the longer term the possibility of a release to the (withheld) was identified as appropriate.
3. As to the current position, Mr Taylor has been working outside the wire since October 2020.  His behaviour within the prison has been excellent.  He has positive feedback both from his work and from the PCO.
4. We are satisfied in the last 12 months Mr Taylor has made real progress.  He talked to us today about the efforts he had made to avoid sabotaging himself when the possibility of release arose and had been firm in his view that he would not take the drugs that were offered to him from time to time in prison.
5. We are satisfied therefore he has been implementing the treatment gains he made in a practical way within the prison.  He has had a whānau hui which was undertaken at (withheld).  He has completed the problem gambling course and has long-term support for gambling which was a feature of his past.
6. We are now satisfied given (withheld) have offered him a release date that he is no longer an undue risk and can be released.  The basis however of his release is very much because of the offer of long-term accommodation at (withheld).  He will therefore be released on 7 April 2021.  The special conditions as proposed in the Parole Assessment Report will apply except with the following amendments:

(1) We do not think that full residential restrictions are required.  Partial residential restrictions will be adequate.  They will be from 10 pm to 6 am.

(2) We will have a monitoring hearing in October 2021.  At that stage the appropriate period of time for each special condition will need to be identified.  In the meantime, however, we will impose those conditions for life.

7. The special conditions are:

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

(3) To submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a probation officer and comply with the requirements of partial residential restrictions. To remain at your approved address between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am daily, unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer, or as permitted by section 33(4) of the Parole Act 2002.

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

(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 (withheld) as directed by a Probation Officer and comply with the rules of the programme.

(7) Not to leave the Christchurch area as defined by a Probation Officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

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

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

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

(13) Not to communicate or associate, directly or indirectly, with any person known to you to associate with gangs unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

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

(15) Not to engage in any betting or gambling either directly or indirectly.

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

(17) In October 2021 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.