Parole denied due to housing

Gareth Smither needs long-term accommodation when he is released from prison, the Parole Board...
Gareth Smither needs long-term accommodation when he is released from prison, the Parole Board says. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
A Dunedin man who used knives and a spade to murder his ex-girlfriend will remain locked up until he finds a suitable release facility.

Gareth Lawrence Smither, 53, was declined parole again at a hearing last month after the victim’s family continued to "strongly" oppose his release to the South.

Smither murdered 26-year-old Karen Jacobs in 1997 and has been in prison since his sentencing that year.

The killer was transferred to Waikeria Prison in the Waikato to facilitate a release in the North Island and at the recent hearing, he accepted a release in the South Island was unrealistic.

"One of the concerns has been in finding Mr Smither suitable accommodation is whether or not there is or can be adequate [redacted] support for him in the community," board chairman Sir Ron Young said.

"That is a factor of real importance for the future."

The board heard Smither had completed all available rehabilitative programmes and had not accrued any misconducts while in prison.

Long-term accommodation was the key, Sir Ron said.

Any residence with a six-month stay was inappropriate, he said, Smither required a facility with at least a 12-month term.

Smither had been discharged from a psychiatric hospital two days before the brutal murder.

He stabbed Jacobs 33 times — mainly in the neck area — and then bashed her repeatedly with a garden spade while her daughter was in the next room.

Ms Jacobs’ body was found by her mother.

Smither will see the Parole Board again in August.

rob.kidd@odt.co.nz

 

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