Jason Karl BLACKLER 11/08/2023

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Jason Karl BLACKLER  

Hearing: Friday 11 August 2023

at Otago Corrections Facility via MS TEAMS

Members of the Board: Mr N Trendle – Panel Convenor

Mr S Perry

Dr G Coyle

Counsel:                                            Ms D Henderson

In Attendance:                                  [withheld] – Case Manager

Support Persons: [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

  1. Jason Karl Blackler is serving a total sentence of seven years three months’ imprisonment for manslaughter and assault.  His statutory release date is 26 January 2024.
  2. Mr Blackler has a significant background to his offending.  He has, however, on this sentence embarked on a fundamental process of change that has been remarked on by those who knew him when he came to prison and who have witnessed that change.
  3. Since he was last before the Board in March he has completed the Violence Prevention Initiative which consisted of some 20 sessions with an experienced psychologist.  Mr Blackler told us that that to a large extent it was a refresher of the skills he acquired on the Special Treatment Unit Programme for Violent Offenders, although he acknowledged that he did not demonstrate that he had benefitted from the experience while attending that programme.  He has also now completed the Drug Treatment Programme and developed a relapse prevention plan and also a detailed safety plan.
  4. On his release from prison, he has been planning to live with two supporters in [withheld].  A significant effort has been applied by his supporters, the psychologist and others locally to develop that release proposal to ensure that Mr Blackler’s transition to the community is a successful one.
  5. We have reviewed the psychological assessment and the notes of the reintegration meetings that have preceded today’s hearing.  We will not go into detail in this decision, but we make the comment that Mr Blackler has managed to accumulate a solid support base that will both support him and hold him to account for the time he is on parole.
  6. From the above it will be apparent that the Board has reached the conclusion having regard to the progress he has made on this sentence, and to the support and supervision available to him in the community, that for the balance of his sentence we are satisfied that Mr Blackler’s release would not pose an undue risk to the safety of others.
  7. Accordingly, we direct his release on parole on 11 September 2023.  Thereafter, for a period expiring six months after his statutory release date, he will be subject to standard conditions and the special conditions set out below.
  8. Ms Henderson appeared again as counsel and opened with submissions in support of Mr Blackler’s release on parole.  She closed with submissions on the proposed release conditions.  We have omitted three of the proposed release conditions with respect to employment, a reintegration meeting and the need for a monitoring hearing.  We are satisfied that the framework for Mr Blackler’s release does not require those conditions.
  9. He will, however, be subject to a whereabouts condition to ensure that he maintains his distance from his victims.  The whereabouts condition will be subject to electronic monitoring.  Should his probation officer form the view that any of the conditions we impose require adjustment, a variation application should be made.   He will be subject to a condition that he is not to use, possess or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances and he is aware that he may be required by a probation officer or a police officer to submit to drug and alcohol testing or monitoring.
  10. Upon release his special conditions are as follows:

(1) To reside at [withheld], or at an address approved by a Probation Officer, and not move from that address unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

(2) Not to enter Dunedin or Mosgiel as defined by a Probation Officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

(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) 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) Not to have contact or otherwise associate, with any victim of your offending, directly or indirectly, unless you have the prior written approval of 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) To disclose to a Probation Officer, at the earliest opportunity, details of any intimate relationship which commences, resumes, or terminates.

Mr N Trendle

Panel Convenor