A convicted murderer who has been recalled to prison five times for breaching his parole has been re-released.
At a hearing at an undisclosed prison last month, the New Zealand Parole Board granted George Charles Trounson parole.
In 1991, the then 19-year-old Trounson was jailed for life after he was found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Russell Warren Neil in Dunedin.
Trounson beat Mr Neil about the head with a piece of broken stair baluster on June 24, 1990.
The former polytechnic student was first released in 2001. He was the subject of five recall applications - four of which resulted in a final recall order to prison. Alcohol was a factor in his reoffending.
In the November 30 decision, the board considered whether he posed a risk to the community, and "we are satisfied that Mr Trounson can now safely be released".
He has been released with six special conditions, two of which will continue for the rest of his life: namely that he continue to take the drug Antabuse, and not be in the possession of or consume alcohol or illicit drugs.
The board noted Trounson was an alcoholic, and said the best way to ensure he did not drink was for him to take Antabuse.
"Understandably he does not like it but he accepts that this is a small price for living a law-abiding and productive life in the community."
His last two recall applications followed his decision to stop taking Antabuse.
"Some time later, but inevitably, he drank alcohol again. Fortunately he did not reoffend."
The board was satisfied Trounson had support available, and he "can now be safely released".
He is expected to attend a Parole Board hearing to monitor the compliance of his release conditions.
