Stephen James HENARE 12/8/2021

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Stephen James HENARE

Hearing: 12 August 2021

at Waikeria Prison

Members of the Board: Judge L Bidois – Panel Convenor

Mr L Tawera

Ms M Dodd

Support Persons:                          (withheld)

In attendance: (withheld) (Case Manager)

DECISION OF THE BOARD

  1. Stephen Henare is for reconsideration of parole.  He is serving five years two months on a composite sentence for dishonesty and perverting the course of justice.  His SCD was 28 August 2019, his PED was 19 May 2021, his SRD is 27 October 2024.  Mr Henare is supported by (withheld).
  2. Mr Henare came before the Board in May.  At that time, he was not eligible for prison-based programmes.  He had completed six sessions with the (withheld) team.  He demonstrated good behaviour and was working.  There was a need for a whānau hui.  Parole was declined but rescheduled for this sitting of the Board so a safety plan could be developed.
  3. Mr Henare seeks a grant of parole to (withheld) address in (withheld).  That address is assessed as suitable.
  4. Mr Henare has continued employment as a painter and has been working outside the wire.  He has developed a detailed safety plan.  He has had a guided release which went well.  A whānau hui has taken place where he was able to share his safety plan.  His PCO describes Mr Henare as making good progress.
  5. In relation to this matter, the Board heard a passionate and powerful presentation from (withheld).  Mr Henare was able to provide a report as to his progress within the prison system.  It has been patently clear that this offending has had a significant impact on his whānau, the owners of the (withheld) and the wider community.
  6. Our job as a Board is to objectively assess whether Mr Henare poses an undue risk to the community.  At the present time, he has completed the only rehabilitative programme available to him which related to gambling.  He is on the reintegrative phase of his sentence.  No other rehabilitation will be offered.  He has strong family support.  He has suitable accommodation to go to.
  7. On that basis, the Board is bound to determine that Mr Henare does not pose an undue risk to the community.  Parole will be granted on 21 September 20021.  Standard and special conditions run through to sentence release date.
  8. The Special Conditions are:

(1) To attend, participate in and complete any programme/treatment/counselling as directed by a Probation Officer.

(2) Not to enter any premises licensed under the Gambling Act 2003, other than supermarkets or dairies, or other place approved in writing by a Probation Officer.

(3) Not to engage in any betting or gambling either directly or indirectly.

(4) Not to be involved in the handling of money, provision of advice or management of the financial accounts or transactions, of any person or entity, unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

(5) Not to engage in any employment or have any role in the affairs of any business, trust, company or other entity, unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

(6) 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). To notify a Probation Officer if you leave your position of employment.

(7) To reside at (withheld), or any other 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.

(8) 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.

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

Judge L Bidois

Panel Convenor