Lisa MCCORMACK 6/4/2021

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Lisa MCCORMACK

Hearing: 6 May 2021

at Christchurch Women’s Prison

Members of the Board: Ms M Coleman – Panel Convenor

Ms T Sharkey

Mr C King

In attendance: (withheld) – Case Manager

DECISION OF THE BOARD

  1. Lisa McCormack, who is 24, appeared before the Board today for further consideration of parole on a two-year four-month sentence for injuring with intent to injure.
  2. Ms McCormack’s statutory release date is 23 December 2021.
  3. Ms McCormack was last before the Board in January 2021.  The Board had a psychological report available to it that indicated that she would not be suited to a group programme.  At that point she was waiting for one-to-one counselling to start.  ACC counselling had started and had been in train for two months at that time.  She was doing well in the prison.
  4. The reports for today's hearing was a positive one.  We are advised that Ms McCormack has taken all educational opportunities that have been available to her.  This includes programmes in relation to parenting as well as other cultural-based programmes.  (withheld).  Custodial wise she is said to be polite, respectful and helpful.  She has a trusted role as an administration cleaner.
  5. Ms McCormack has support from (withheld).  There is a bed date available to her in May, but Ms McCormack's Case Manager also told the Board that (withheld) will also have a bed available in August if she is not paroled today.
  6. The Board supports Ms McCormack finishing the work with the psychologist prior to release.  Ms McCormack herself wants to do so as she is gaining a lot from it.  There are (withheld) sessions planned and she is about halfway through.
  7. In addition, there a number of guided release releases planned.  Three have been approved already.  (withheld).  Six more are planned after that so that a transitional approach to her reintegration can be supported.
  8. Parole today is declined.  As has already been indicated, it is important that Ms McCormack complete the treatment work with a psychologist.  It is also important that this graduated reintegration takes place given Ms McCormack's background and mental health issues.
  9. Ms McCormack will be seen again in August 2021 and by the end of August 2021 at the latest.

Ms M Coleman

Panel Convenor