New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Ziggy Stardust BUCKERIDGE

Hearing: 19 April 2023

at Otago Corrections Facility via Microsoft Teams

Members of the Board:

Sir Ron Young – Chairperson

Mr A Hackney

Ms T Sharkey

Prof P Brinded

In Attendance: [withheld] - Case Manager

Support Persons: [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Mr Buckeridge, who is 61 years of age, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 1992. He was released and had recalls in 2005 and 2011. Both of the recalls were triggered by his use of alcohol which also had played a part in the murder.  In addition, he had three pages of previous convictions including a serious rape, some 40 years ago.
2. We last saw him in October 2022. At that stage the Board noted he had completed his rehabilitation some time ago. He had completed extensive reintegration. He was undertaking a timber processing apprenticeship. He had been in self-care for some time and he had had a number of guided releases. He had successfully completed all of the reintegration and rehabilitation that could be expected and so subject to accommodation availability we assessed him as able to be released. Accommodation was identified at [withheld] but there was no place available.
3. As to the current position, Mr Buckeridge has continued to have guided releases. He has been transferred to the Otago Prison where he has not been able to continue with his timber processing apprenticeship but has been working on the farm milking cows. Again, his progress has been excellent. He is in self-care. He has been doing shopping in the community for self-care and has continued with his guided releases into the community.
4. Today we were told for the first time that in fact [withheld] did have a bed available for him on 8 May. After working the issue through with his case manager and with [withheld] we are satisfied now he is no longer an undue risk and can be released. As we have said, over many years he has completed his rehabilitation and reintegration and we are satisfied that he is now ready for release. He hopes to resume his timber processing apprenticeship when he is released to [withheld]. They are a highly supported and highly respected reintegration organisation and are at an appropriate level of oversight for Mr Buckeridge.
5. He will be released on 8 May 2023. The special conditions set out in the Parole Assessment Report we apply, except for the tenancy provision which is not appropriate for us to enforce. We will see him on a monitoring hearing in October 2023 to assess progress. All of the conditions will be for life, but we will assess that aspect when we see him in October.
6. 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) Not to enter Canterbury as defined by a Probation Officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of 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) 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.

(5) Not to have contact or otherwise associate, with a person under the age of 16 years, directly or indirectly unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer, or unless you are under the supervision and in the presence of an adult approved in writing by a Probation Officer.

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

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

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

(9) Upon release from prison, to travel directly to [withheld], and await the arrival of a Probation Officer and a representative from the monitoring company.

(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 purpose of maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment as directed by a Probation Officer.

(11) To 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.

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

(13) 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.

(14) To comply with the requirements of partial residential restrictions. You must be at [withheld] between the hours of 8pm and 6am daily unless: To seek urgent medical or dental treatment; To avoid or minimise a serious risk of death or injury to you or any other person; For humanitarian reasons approved by a probation officer; or You have the prior written approval of a probation officer.