A murderer - understood to be New Zealand’s most recalled prisoner - is back behind bars after less than a month of freedom.
Andrew Peter McGlynn, 55, who was sentenced in the High Court at Christchurch in 1986 to life imprisonment for murder, has now been paroled and recalled eight times, committing 26 more offences - including two aggravated robberies - in the process.
He was released from the Otago Corrections Facility on April 26, subject to 18 conditions which included a ban from alcohol and drugs as well as having an electronic tracker fitted.
Parole Board chairman Sir Ron Young stressed it was effectively a last chance for McGlynn.
"We have decided to give Mr McGlynn a further chance. We do so primarily because of the extensive support he has," he said.
"It is difficult to imagine a more supportive release for a prisoner. So, Mr McGlynn will understand that if he cannot manage to stay out of prison with this release proposal, it is difficult to see in the future how he can."
The facility at which he would be living had a "very positive reputation", said Sir Ron, as did the organisation who would provide treatment.
The parole report, released to the Otago Daily Times, showed McGlynn was assessed as a very high risk of reoffending.
"He now accepts that when he gets in distress in the community, he does not use his supports and often turns to drugs," Sir Ron said.
Less than four weeks into his parole, McGlynn breached his electronic-monitoring clause and was caught using alcohol the next day. He was immediately locked up again.
When he appeared before the Dunedin District Court last week, Judge Peter Rollo acknowledged that after spending nearly 40 years in and out of jail McGlynn was "institutionalised" and found it difficult to adapt to life on the outside.
He jailed him for four months, a penalty which was academic against the life sentence which would remain.
Out and in
1986: McGlynn is sentenced to life imprisonment for murder before the High Court at Christchurch.
1994: Commits his first offence on parole - an armed robbery - and is recalled to prison.
2003: While on release, commits another aggravated robbery.
2005: Another stint of freedom ends when McGlynn assaults a woman.
2020: After less than five months on parole, he is back behind bars for using ecstasy.
2022: McGlynn lasts only a few weeks before being recalled to prison.
