Samuel TRANTER 06/11/2024

There is an order prohibiting publication of the name, address and occupation or identifying particulars of the offender and/or victim.

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Samuel TRANTER

Hearing: 06 November 2024

at Whanganui Prison via MS Teams

Members of the Board:

Ms S Bailey – Panel Convenor

Mr A Spierling

Mr P Elenio

Counsel:  Judith Fyfe

In Attendance: [withheld] - Case Manager

Support Persons: [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

  1. Samuel Tranter appears before the Board for a further consideration of parole. Mr Tranter is serving a sentence of 12 years imprisonment after convictions were entered to serious sexual offending including rape, blackmail, and possession of objectionable material. The victims were five young teenage girls. Mr Tranter has a limited previous conviction list not relevant to sexual offending. He has a RoC*RoI of 0.299 and a statutory release date of 3 February 2031, six years and three months away. He is presently under a minimum classification.
  2. Mr Tranter has on his release plan the STU:CSO (KM) Programme which was completed during September of 2023.  Mr Tranter had done a short time in maintenance after the programme before it was recommended he transfer to the Whanganui Prison for his reintegration and ultimate release.
  3. Mr Tranter] had a reintegration hui on 15 October 2024 which also included his KM psychologist.
  4. There are numerous letters on file from his supporters and also his own letter outlining why he believes he is ready for parole. He has sponsors who are willing to accommodate him and also offer him employment. He has known these people for many years through a common interest in [withheld].
  5. Mr Tranter last appeared before a Board during February 2024.  At that time, he was in the Graduates group at the KM unit in Christchurch and doing well. That Board requested a full a psychological assessment for this Board. This Board has the benefit of that assessment in which the psychologist assesses Mr Tranter's risk of further sexual reoffending as one of medium.  The psychologist said that Mr Tranter has a well-structured release plan, approved accommodation with prosocial support and a strong safety plan.  The psychologist assessed his re-integrative needs as low and recommends a further community hui at some time after his release and to consider [withheld].
  6. Mr Tranter had his lawyer, Ms Fyfe, appear at the hearing today. She had forwarded written submissions to the Board supporting his release. In the submissions she referred to what he has completed, the latest psychological report, the approved accommodation and prospect of employment along with strong community support. Ms Fyfe also made verbal submissions today advising the Board that Mr Tranter had been on a guided release and another one was due later in November. She submitted that his rehabilitation will continue when released by way of attending an ongoing support group and he will resume with [withheld].
  7. Ms Fyfe commented on the victim letter which Mr Tranter had received prior to this hearing and the impact that had on him. She stated that was significant for him and a timely reminder of the ongoing consequences for those affected.
  8. Ms Fyfe recognised that the Board would appreciate that Mr Tranter still had a long time remaining on his sentence. However, she urged the Board to focus on the risk element and the appropriateness of him now being released into the community.  She further told the Board that the [withheld], who have offered accommodation and employment for Mr Tranter, are very clear that if any concerns are raised, they will inform the Probation Service.
  9. Mr Tranter spoke about what he had learned through the KM programme. He said mostly he had learnt a lot about himself, particularly that he had no ability to express his emotions and could not resolve conflict within relationships. He said he has become more able to listen to people and be more respectful of others’ opinions. He also accepts he will need ongoing assistance in the community and asking for help is appropriate when he feels the need. He appreciates the need to be open and honest with his supporters and particularly to keep a healthy work/life balance.
  10. When questioned about the offending with respect to the teenage girls, he further spoke about the impact of the victim statement he had received.  He said that through the course he had a better understanding now of why he offended. At the time he said he was highly stressed, his life was a mess. The first victim he had known for some time before he started viewing her in a sexual way. He said after sexual activity with the first victim, the excitement got to him, and this is what encouraged his future offending with other teenage girls. He said he told himself at the time that it was okay but recognises now that his thinking was distorted, and his behaviour was wrong.
  11. Mr Tranter spoke about the reintegration hui he had taken part in. He was upfront by saying he did not enjoy presenting it as he conveyed a lot of personal information, but he recognises this as an essential part of moving forward and being open with those who are going to support him.
  12. His PCO gave Mr Tranter a good report.  [withheld], who is going to sponsor him, explained their background and how that had met. He believes that Mr Tranter has responded exceptionally well within the prison after completing his programme. The [withheld] family are obviously highly supportive of Mr Tranter.  [withheld] was also present at the hearing and she said she has seen a huge difference in him and stated [withheld] recognised him as being a very different [withheld] at this stage.
  13. Careful consideration was given as to Mr Tranter’s release at this point. The Board recognise the work he has done, it acknowledges the most recent psychological report and the comments made in that report. Along with Mr Tranter’s presentation, his lawyer’s submissions, his strong community support which he will receive on release and the conditions which are to be imposed for a considerable period of time, give the Board confidence that his risk is no longer undue, and he can be released.
  14. With respect to the conditions, all conditions will remain as outlined in the PAR. The partial residential restrictions (electronically monitored) will remain for three months after his release date and the hours will be between 10 pm and 6 am. Mr Tranter will also attend a monitoring hearing during May 2025.  This is in light of the seriousness of his offending, his long time within the prison environment, the time remaining on his sentence and to ensure that he is reintegrating successfully into the community.
  15. Mr Tranter will be released on 27 November 2024. All other conditions will remain until his sentence end date which is still over six years away. It was explained to Mr Tranter that conditions can be reviewed down the track and that may be possible if thought appropriate at a later date. Mr Tranter was reminded that he will be subject to recall until his statutory release date and he is also [withheld] subject to police monitoring as well.
  16. The Special Conditions are imposed until SRD.

(1) For three months to comply with the requirements of partial residential restrictions and remain in the area defined by a Probation Officer at [withheld] Manawatū-Whanganui region, between the hours of 09:00pm and 07:00am daily unless you leave the residence:

(A) to seek urgent medical or dental treatment;

(B) to avoid or minimise a serious risk of death or injury to you or any other person;

(C) for humanitarian reasons approved by a Probation Officer; or

(D) with the prior written approval of a Probation Officer in order to:

  1. comply with any special conditions;
  2. seek or engage in employment; or
  3. to attend training or other rehabilitative or reintegrative activities or programmes.

(2) Upon release from prison, to travel directly to [withheld] Manawatū-Whanganui region, and await the arrival of a probation officer and a representative from the monitoring company.

(3) 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.

(4) To comply with the requirements of electronic monitoring and provide access to the specified residence to the probation officer and representatives of the monitoring company, for the purpose of maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment as directed by the probation officer.

(5) Upon expiry of the residential restrictions condition, you are to reside at an 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.

(6) Not to enter Christchurch as defined by a probation officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer.

(7) Not to enter or loiter near any school, early childhood education centre, park, library, swimming pool, other recreational facility, church, or other area specified in writing by a probation officer, unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer, or unless an adult approved by a probation officer in writing, is present.

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

(11) To attend, participate in and complete the Community Support programme as directed by a Probation Officer.

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

(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).

(14) To notify a probation officer if you leave your position of employment.

(15) 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.

(16) To disclose to a probation officer, at the earliest opportunity, details of any intimate relationship which commences, resumes, or terminates.

(17) Not to use or possess any device capable of accessing the internet unless you are under the direct supervision of an adult approved in writing by a probation officer, or unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer.

(18) Upon request, to make available to a probation officer, or his or her agent, any electronic device capable of accessing the internet that is used by you, or is in your possession or control, for the purpose of monitoring your use of the device.

(19) To attend a reintegration meeting as directed by a probation officer.

(20) In May 2025 to comply with any direction to attend a monitoring hearing at a time and place to be notified to you.

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

Ms S Bailey

Panel Convenor