New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Ziggy Stardust BUCKERIDGE

Hearing: 12 October 2021

at Otago Corrections Facility via Videoconference

Members of the Board: Sir R Young – Chairperson

Prof. P Brinded

In attendance: [Withheld] – Case Manager

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Ms Buckeridge, who is 60 years of age, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 1992.  His security classification is minimum.  Mr Buckeridge did have a previous conviction of rape in 1984.  He was released in 2004 but recalled in 2005.
2. When we saw him last in March 2021, he was doing [withheld] at Leimon Villas but because of victim concerns, we made it clear that a release to Christchurch would not be possible and so as a result, Mr Buckeridge has transferred to the Otago Prison.  He made application to and has been provisionally accepted by [withheld] as appropriate accommodation.
3. Mr Buckeridge has spent some time over the years developing timber processing skills and is working his way through an appropriate apprenticeship.  He is assessed at being a moderate risk of both violent and sexual offending.  We think the proposed release in the longer term to [withheld] would be ideal for Mr Buckeridge.  He is enthusiastic to be released there and highly motivated.  In the short time he has been in Otago Prison he seems to have behaved well and has a job within the prison that he has very positive comments from.
4. The proposal is over the next few months to have regular visits to [withheld] so he can become familiar with the organisation and his potential release address and [withheld] can become familiar with him.  A release date in six to 12 months might be available from [withheld]’s perspective.
5. We have noted and talked to him about the need for a review by a psychologist immediately before his release, reassessing his safety plan and the importance of re-engaging with [withheld].  In addition, he will need to have an alcohol and drug support group on release, and it will be very important for him that he learn to co‑operate and work with his probation officer.  All that is in the future.
6. In the meantime, we are satisfied Mr Buckeridge remains an undue risk.  He did not have a release address but over the next six months or so he will need to try and get Release to Work if possible, to complete his apprenticeship qualification and have regular visits to the [withheld] accommodation.  We will see him again therefore by the end of April 2022.