Vincent Angene SKEEN - 22/06/2017

Parole Hearing
Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Vincent Angene SKEEN

Hearing: 22 June 2017 At [Withheld]

Members of the Board:

  • Mr N Trendle – Panel Convenor
  • Mr D Hauraki
  • Mr P Elenio


DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Vincent Angene Skeen, who is 19 years of age, is making his second appearance before the Board on a sentence of five years two months’ imprisonment for manslaughter.  His statutory release date is 20 February 2020.

2. Prior to his index offending Mr Skeen had a single appearance before the Youth Court in respect of 25 different offences committed over a five-month period.  That together with his index offending has contributed to his RoC*RoI of .81515.

3. When Mr Skeen was last before the Board. we requested a psychological report.  That report is now to hand.  It records that Mr Skeen presented as highly motivated to address his behaviour and to create a pro-social pathway for the future.  Reference is made to his previous abuse of substances, but the psychologist does not recommend his participation in the Drug Treatment Programme.  Whilst the Special Treatment Unit Rehabilitation Programme would have provided a programme to meet Mr Skeen’s needs he is not suitable for that programme and the psychologist recommended individual treatment.

4. Prior to today’s hearing the Board met with [Withheld].  She expressed the view that the Drug Treatment Programme as referred to in the Board’s last decision would not adequately address the violent nature of Mr Skeen’s offending.  [Withheld]
These issues were discussed with Mr Skeen.  He repeated that he was sorry for what he had done to his victim.  He has taken on board the issue with respect to the victim’s wishes that he not enter the Auckland area.

5. Mr Skeen’s PCO reported positively on his conduct and compliance.  He is not working in the unit at the moment.  Whilst his security classification has remained at high there is nothing in his conduct to indicate that it will not reduce when next reviewed.

6. At this point Mr Skeen has not had the opportunity to complete any intervention to meet his offending needs.  Whilst he has a release proposal, the Board does not regard it as suitable at this point having regard to the concerns of his victim.  Parole today is declined.  The Board supports Mr Skeen engaging with the psychologist.  He should also have the opportunity to participate in the AOD programmes.  Additionally, he may well gain benefit from participating in work-related training and other reintegration activities.

7. Mr Skeen will be scheduled to return to the Board in 12 months, by 30 June 2018.  For that hearing the Board requests a copy of the psychological treatment report provided Mr Skeen gives his consent to the Board having access to it.

Mr N Trendle
Panel Convenor