New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Anthony Phillip HITCHCOCK

Hearing: 30 June 2022

at Christchurch Men’s Prison via MS Teams

Members of the Board:

Sir Ron Young – Chairperson

Prof Phil Brinded

Mr C Roberts

Mr P Elenio

Counsel:  Mr C Nolan

In Attendance:  [withheld] - Case Manager

[withheld]– Principal Case Manager

Support Persons: [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Mr Hitchcock was sentenced to life imprisonment and preventive detention in 1996 for murder and sexual violence as well as abduction.  He had one page of previous convictions involving an earlier sex offence.
2. We last saw him in March 2022.  By that stage, Mr Hitchcock had completed all of his rehabilitation.  He had had a previous release in 2010 to [withheld], but that had not been successful.  Although he had not committed any crime or any misdemeanour, it was clear then that he was not ready to undertake the [withheld] Programme.
3. And so, we identified the need for an individual plan for him on release if he wanted release to [withheld]. We wanted a psychologist to assess that plan once it was completed and we wanted the psychologist to assess his safety plan and see whether that was adequate to meet his risk.
4. As to the current position, Mr Hitchcock does now have an individual plan for his release to [withheld].
5. There are a number of aspects to the plan. It does involve a traffic light system.  He will begin on red, move perhaps after a period of six months or more to orange.  He may spend quite some time there.  We may be talking years before he goes to green and has more liberal opportunities in the community.  And so, what is anticipated is that this will be a residence for him for many years.  We consider that the programme is ideally suited for him and our confidence is increased by the view of the psychologist who considers it’s an appropriate plan.  The same relates to Mr Hitchcock’s updated safety plan.  Again, that has been assessed as appropriate and meeting his risk.  And so overall now, we are satisfied he is no longer an undue risk and can be released.
6. We record that prior to the hearing today we saw the victims of Mr Hitchcock’s offending.  They continue to oppose Mr Hitchcock’s release.  We have given Mr Hitchcock a brief summary of their views.
7. We stress to [withheld], Mr Hitchcock’s Probation Officer, his supporters and others who are overseeing Mr Hitchcock, the importance of understanding what kind of behaviour he will likely indulge in when his risk increases.  He particularly identified closing down as an indication that his risk may be increasing, and so it will be vital that those people keep a close eye on Mr Hitchcock for any indication that that is happening.
8. And so, he will be released on 20 July 2022.  The special conditions set out in the Parole Assessment Report we adopt.  We will see him in January 2023 on a monitoring hearing.  The special conditions will last for life, but we will review the length of time they apply for at the January 2023 hearing.   And so, we are satisfied he is no longer an undue risk and confirm his release.
9. The special conditions are:

(1) To comply with the requirements of electronic monitoring and provide unimpeded access to your approved residence by a Probation Officer and/or representatives of the monitoring company for the purpose of maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment as directed by a Probation Officer.

(2) Upon release from prison, to travel directly to [withheld], and await the arrival of a Probation Officer and a representative from the monitoring company.

(3) 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.

(4) To submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a Probation Officer and comply with the requirements of partial residential restrictions. To remain at your approved address between the hours of 10:00 pm and 06:00 am daily, unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer, or as permitted by section 33(4) of the Parole Act 2002.

(5) To submit to electronic monitoring as directed by a Probation Officer in order to monitor your compliance with any conditions relating to your whereabouts.

(6) Not to enter the North Island and not to travel south of the Rakaia River or Hokitika, as defined by a Probation Officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

(7) To attend the [withheld] Programme as directed by a Probation Officer and comply with the rules of the programme.

(8) To undertake and engage in a Reintegrative Programme approved by a Probation Officer and to abide by the rules of the programme to the satisfaction of your Probation Officer.

(9) To attend a psychological assessment and attend, participate in and complete any recommended treatment as directed by a Probation Officer.

(10) To attend an alcohol and drug assessment, and attend, participate in and complete any treatment or counselling directed by a Probation Officer.

(11) Not to possess, use, or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances except controlled drugs prescribed for you by a health professional.

(12) To comply with any direction made under section 29B(2)(b) of the Parole Act 2002 to attend a hearing at a time and place to be notified to you.

(13) Not to have contact or otherwise associate, with a person under the age of 16 years, directly or indirectly unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer, or unless you are under the supervision and in the presence of an adult approved in writing by a Probation Officer.

(14) 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.

(15) To disclose to a Probation Officer, at the earliest opportunity, details of any intimate relationship which commences, resumes, or terminates.

(16) To attend a reintegration meeting as directed by a Probation Officer.

(17) 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.

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