Progress hearing

Under section 29B(2)(b) of the Parole Act 2002

Robert Stanley LYON

Hearing:                                            17 February 2022

[withheld]

Members of the Board:                    Sir Ron Young – Chairperson

Mr A Spierling

Mr C Roberts

Prof P Brinded

Attendees:                                        [withheld] – Case Manager

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Mr Lyon who is 38 years of age was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2002 for murder, rape and arson. He was released in September 2021.
2. His Probation Officer says that Mr Lyon’s compliance with his special and standard conditions of parole has been exemplary. He has complied with his curfew; he has had no positive test for alcohol and drugs. He completed an alcohol and drug assessment, but no programme was required.
3. He is hopefully going to start further one-on-one counselling with a psychologist shortly.
4. He continues to reside at [withheld]. He has made a number of applications for employment, currently without success but he is optimistic. He is seeing his PhD supervisor with the hope that his degree can be pursued shortly.
5. Although he does not have paid employment, he has had approval to work as a volunteer for the [withheld].
6. One issue where the Parole Board wishes to keep a very close eye on, as no doubt will Community Probation is Mr Lyon’s contact with females. He is on Tinder and he has had coffee with a young woman. There will need to be careful supervision of Mr Lyon’s future relationships.

7. We will see him again in approximately six months’ time, by the end of July 2022 to continue to review the position but overall, Mr Lyon has done very well on parole.
8. The special conditions are:

(1) To reside at [withheld], 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) To comply with any tenancy agreement or rules issued by the provider of your approved accommodation.

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

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

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

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

(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.