Sex offender told to 'work on rehabilitation'

A Balclutha man who was jailed for sexually assaulting his neighbour has been denied parole after making inappropriate comments towards female prison staff.

Isaac Turetanae Roberts, 42, strangled the victim before violating her in May 2022, less than four months after she moved next door with her son.

In a psychological report before the Parole Board at this month’s hearing, Roberts was assessed as presenting an average risk of sexual offending and moderate-to-high risk of violent offending.

His principal Corrections officer had said he was working well in the wing.

But since he was last before the Parole Board in May, there had been two incidents in which concerns were raised about his behaviour towards women.

Roberts was last year sentenced to five years, 11 months’ imprisonment for unlawful sexual connection, strangulation and breaching of release conditions.

Shortly after introducing himself, he groped the victim in her bedroom.

The victim then went outside to avoid him, sitting on the front steps, the court heard at sentencing.

The offender followed her outside, sat down next to her and kissed her throat and face.

As she tried to pull away, Roberts grabbed her by the throat and kissed her on the mouth.

The combination of the pressure on her throat and the sucking of her mouth caused the victim to struggle for air, court documents said.

When Roberts paused his assault, the victim attempted to distract her attacker with a phone call.

Roberts then pulled the victim in, ordering her to look at him and said, "You can call me Zax Dog and you’re mine now."

Roberts then grabbed the victim to perform a sex act. She managed to break free, running back inside the house and barricading the front door using a fridge.

Roberts’ sentence expires in April 2028.

"At this stage, you need to start working on your rehabilitation," panel convener Judge Jan Kelly said.

Roberts will appear before the Parole Board again in March 2026.

By Ella Scott-Fleming