Dunedin woman's killer denied parole again

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 chair 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.