Nicholas Gavin Loper, 30, was convicted of a string of domestic-violence crimes, spanning a couple of years, and was jailed for two years five months before the Dunedin District Court. But when he appeared in front of the Parole Board last month, he conceded his aggressive conduct had continued for a more prolonged period.
His honesty did not count against him.
He was granted parole and released from prison at the start of the month — nearly a year before his sentence end date.
Panel convener Martha Coleman said he could undertake a Stopping Violence programme in the community.
At sentencing, the court heard how in 2020 Loper became enraged because he believed the victim had not shown him enough affection when his family visited.
He pushed the woman on to a woodpile and left her there, incapacitated, for up to an hour.
“She asked the defendant to call for an ambulance, but he refused and ignored her", a summary of facts said.
When she finally saw a doctor they discovered she had a fractured vertebra.
On another occasion, Loper strangled his partner "to the point where the victim thought she was going to die", and she wore a scarf the next day to hide her injuries from family.
The victim messaged Loper that she feared he would kill her.
"I really hope so one day", Loper responded. "That would be the best gift you’ve given me."
The victim told the court Loper had robbed her of seven years of her life and at times she had wished he had killed her.
He had been assessed by a psychologist as posing a low risk of future violence although that risk was said to be heightened in relationships.
Among Loper’s parole conditions were:
— To live at an approved residence in Dunedin.
— Not to enter Otago north of Oamaru, or Canterbury.
— To submit to electronic monitoring.
— To disclose to Probation details of new relationships.
— To attend all counselling as directed.
— Not to contact the victim.
— Not to possess alcohol or illicit drugs.
— Rob Kidd, Court reporter
