Joseph Stephenson THOMPSON 17/01/2025

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

Joseph Stephenson THOMPSON

Hearing: 17 January 2025

at Rolleston Prison via MS Teams

Members of the Board:

Sir Ron Young – Chairperson

Dr J Skipworth

Ms M Kleist

Ms F Pimm

In Attendance: [withheld] - Case Manager

Support Persons: [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

  1. Joseph Thompson who is 66 years of age was sentenced to preventive detention in 1995.  There were 129 crimes and 49 girls and women who were subject to sexual assaults over a period of 12 years.  His preventive detention sentence was with a minimum non‑parole period of 25 years.
  2. The initial suggestion was that Mr Thompson should do the Child Sex Offender Treatment Programme, possibly the Adult Sex Offender Treatment Programme, a Drug Programme or in the alternative to the Adult Sex Offender Treatment Programme and a Violence Programme.
  3. Little progress had been made when we saw him last.
  4. [withheld]. He has now completed the Kia Marama Child Sex Offender Treatment Programme. He was transferred to the Unit in September 2023 and has worked through and completed that treatment.
  5. In terms of assessment in psychometric testing at Kia Marama, [withheld]. He demonstrated a good understanding of his sexual offending when discussing the situation with his psychologist, and also with his violent offending.
  6. [withheld].
  7. The next stage in his treatment was said to be completing the Adult Sex Offender Treatment Programme after a period in the Graduates’ Programme for the Kia Marama Programme.  The psychologist said that the STU:VO Programme was not indicated given the violence all occurred within the context of the sexual offending.
  8. He is assessed at being above average to well above average risk of sexual reoffending and moderate risk of general or violent reoffending.
  9. [withheld]. It may be in the longer term though Mr Thompson will need to understand what a healthy sexual relationship is, and that may be an important part ultimately of reducing his risk and a safe release.
  10. We will see him again by the end of November 2026, in the meantime he is an undue risk.

Sir Ron Young

Chairperson