New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Rodney Stuart FALLOWFIELD

Hearing: 11 July 2023

at Rolleston Prison via Ms Teams

Members of the Board:

Ms S Bailey – Panel Convenor

Ms K Coutts

Mr G Coyle

In Attendance:  [withheld] - Case Manager

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Rodney Fallowfield appears before for the Board for further consideration of parole.  Mr Fallowfield is serving a sentence of four years and three months imprisonment after a conviction was entered for the manslaughter of his then-wife.  Mr Fallowfield has completed about three years of his prison term.
2. Mr Fallowfield has previous convictions, including assaults, dishonesty, attempted arson, driving and burglary.
3. Mr Fallowfield last appeared before a Board in July of last year.  At that time it was determined that he should undergo his scheduled psychological sessions and any further treatment considered necessary after those sessions.  It had been determined that Mr Fallowfield was not suitable for a group programme [withheld].
4. Mr Fallowfield initially had on his sentence plan the STU:VO but, as mentioned, was not suited to a group programme.  His individual psychological sessions started in April of this year.
5. Mr Fallowfield has approved accommodation with the [withheld] and a bed availability date from 4^th September 2023.
6. Mr Fallowfield’s statutory release date is approximately one year away and he is now eligible for guided releases, having a minimum security classification.
7. The Board met with one of the victims of Mr Fallowfield, [withheld].  She conveyed to the Board that the family had come together during the prior weekend and had not changed their views from the information that has been previously noted on the Board file.  They had forgiven Mr Fallowfield but what they really wanted to know is why he committed the manslaughter, not just the details of the offending.  She reiterated that the family miss their sister and daughter greatly.  [withheld]. They emphasise that they wish for an exclusion zone of [withheld].
8. Mr Fallowfield spoke with the Board today and the question was raised with him as to why the offending had occurred rather than going over the details of the offending.  [withheld].  He said there are no words he can say that will alleviate the distress he has caused and it will also haunt him for the rest of his life what he has done.  His expressions of regret and apologies are seen as genuine.
9. Mr Fallowfield was asked how his sessions with the psychologist was going and he said it had been good for him.  [withheld].  He said he had learnt what he could do in the future to be able to remove himself from any kind of highly stressful situation.
10. Mr Fallowfield said that he would like to carry on with the psychological sessions and if released he will be able to carry on with his psychologist, but it is uncertain when that will resume.
11. [withheld].
12. [withheld].
13. Mr Fallowfield very much wants to move on with his life if he is able to and after his stay with [withheld] wants to find his own housing and employment.
14. [withheld].
15. His PCO gave him an excellent report.  There have been no issues with Mr Fallowfield in the unit.
16. In consideration of everything that was heard today Mr Fallowfield will be released on  parole.  His release date is 4^th September when a bed at [withheld] will become available.  This Board considers he is no longer an undue risk considering the work he has done in the prison, his presentation today, his future planning and the support he will have in the community and the conditions which are to be imposed.  It is noted he is considered as low risk of re‑offending.
17. Mr Fallowfield’s conditions will apply until six months past his sentence end date.  That applies to all conditions except the curfew which will apply for three months after his release.
18. The special conditions are:

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

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

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

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

(5) 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.

(6) 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.

(7) Until 3 December 2023 to comply with the requirements of partial residential restrictions. To remain at your approved address between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am daily as permitted by section 33(4) of the Parole Act 2002.

(8) 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.

(9) Until 3 December 2023 to submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a probation officer, in order to monitor your compliance with any conditions relating to your residential restrictions.

(10) 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 purposes of maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment as directed by a Probation Officer.

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

(12) To attend a reintegration meeting or Whānau Hui as directed by a Probation Officer.

(13) Not to enter the Clutha area as defined by a Probation Officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

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