Offender volunteers for rehabilitation course

Michael John Carroll – who was released on parole earlier this year after serving nearly 16 years in prison for rape, and who has recently been the subject of intense media attention – is to undertake an offender treatment programme.

Mr Carroll’s voluntary move required an application to be made to the New Zealand Parole Board by the Department of Corrections for a variation to his parole conditions.

Parole conditions are set by the Board prior to an offender being released and can only be varied through an application made under Section 56 of the Parole Act 2002.

The Chairperson of the Board Mr A.A.T. Ellis said, “It’s a credit to Mr Carroll that he has agreed to the variation in his parole conditions, which I understand he has done out of concern for his own safety.”

Under the privacy legislation, details of courses included as part of parole conditions (including the name and location) are not revealed by the Board.

Mr Carroll became eligible for parole after serving ten years in custody. He had served nearly 16 years in custody when he was released on parole in February.

The Board had before it copies of all previous submissions (including from the police and victims), and all psychological reports and reports of his progress while in prison. As well, the Board had the latest Psychological Service reports on Mr Carroll, and those from the Department of Corrections (covering, among other aspects, his behaviour while in prison and on temporary release).

The Board noted the positive progress made by Mr Carroll. After considering all this information, the Board determined that his risk to the community had been substantially lessened to such an extent that he could now be released on parole. He was released on 11 February 2003 on special conditions for 2 years.

The original conditions are as follows:

Reside at [specified address] or at an address approved by the Probation Officer.

Undertake and complete the structured individual programme if directed by the Probation Officer.

Undertake psychological counselling as directed by the Probation Officer.

Undertake employment related training as directed by the Probation Officer.

Do not contact the victim either directly or indirectly unless with the prior written consent of the Probation Officer.

Standard conditions apply for life (see section 14 of the Parole Act 2002).

Hon Mr A A T Ellis Chairperson New Zealand Parole Board

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