Progress hearing

Under section 29B(2)(b) of the Parole Act 2002

Travis BURNS

Hearing:                                            15 February 2022

[withheld]

Members of the Board:                    Sir Ron Young – Chairperson

Mr A Spierling

Mr C Roberts

Prof P Brinded

Attendees:                                        [withheld] – Probation Officer

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Mr Burns, who is 52 years of age, was sentence to life imprisonment for murder in 2000. He had a long history of violent offending prior to the murder. He was released in August 2021. Today we had a monitoring hearing.
2. Mr Burns has done very well on parole. He stayed at his [withheld] accommodation and we will mention his further accommodation later in this decision. He has good employment, although very recently he has had an injury at work and is currently on Accident Compensation. He had a whānau hui on 21 January where his supportive whānau attended to discuss the way forward for him. He does have good family support. He also has a number of hobbies that keeps him occupied.
3. As to the [withheld] accommodation, this has been somewhat stressful for Mr Burns given the broad mix of ages and attitudes at the accommodation but Mr Burns, to his credit, has managed that accommodation without any major trouble. He has now found accommodation in [withheld]; it is close to his work and looks as though it would be suitable for him. His Probation Officer noted the accommodation looked appropriate.
4. He is due to return to work in March. It will be a slow return given he suffered quite a significant injury at work. It is important that he, his employer and his Probation Officer

   sit down and talk through the concerns his employer has about Mr Burns’ availability once he returns to work. We would not want his parole obligations to get in the road of what is obviously a very good job for him. So, overall, good progress.

5. We have decided to end the electronic monitoring of his curfew given the good progress he has made. The curfew itself will remain and the electronic monitoring of his whereabouts will remain, given that relates to the victim’s concern.
6. We will see Mr Burns again in July 2022. We are conscious that he has a long history of crime and so keeping a close eye on his progress is important.
7. The special conditions are:

(1) 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.

(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 comply with any tenancy agreement or rules issued by the provider of your approved accommodation.

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

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

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

(7) 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 Officer if you leave your position of employment.

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

(9) 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.