Charles John COULAM - 08/09/2016

Parole hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Charles John COULAM

Hearing: 8 September 2016 at Auckland South Corrections Facility by AVL [Withheld]

Members of the Board:

  • Hon. JW Gendall – Panel Convenor
  • Judge A Kiernan
  • Ms S Pakura

In attendance:

  • [Withheld]

Support Persons:

  • [Withheld]
  • [Withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Charles Coulam is serving a life sentence imposed on 19 December 1989 for the crime of murder of a young female tourist on Mount Maunganui.  That event occurred on 20 November 1989, nine days after he committed a crime of assault with intent to commit sexual violation on a separate female victim.  He was sentenced for that crime on 9 February 1990.  His parole eligibility date was 19 December 1999.

2. He has been diagnosed as having a [Withheld]  disorder which has been treatment resistant.  In addition there is an overlay of an excessive compulsive disorder with elements of sexual sadism and autism spectrum.

3. He is [Withheld] pursuant to a compulsory treatment order under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. His psychotic symptoms are said to be under control with medication.  He is making good progress and is at the top of a waitlist for transfer to [Withheld] which is an open unit.  How long he remains there is a matter for the clinical judgement of the treating clinicians. Thereafter it is hoped that he might be suitable for supported accommodation but that is something in the future.

4. He has had a significant number of unescorted community outings and is on a second week of a computer course.

5. He has had several health concerns but we are told these are either in remission or being successfully managed.  It is clear he could not possibly manage at present in the community, as is at serious risk of criminal behaviour.

6. Parole is declined and he will be seen again in a year’s time, that is, in the month of August, before 31 August 2017.

Hon. JW Gendall
Panel Convenor