Teen murderer declined parole

A man who has spent almost all his adult life behind bars for murdering his ex-partner’s boyfriend in a fit of jealous rage will remain in jail, and needs to take significant steps in his rehabilitation before he can taste freedom.

Ross Adam Anderson was 18 when he was jailed in 2005 for murdering Chevy Aramakaraka Koltai and seriously wounding Terri Murray.

Kolati and Anderson were best friends, while Murray was Anderson’s ex-partner.

Anderson and Murray exchanged text messages in April 2005, before she went to visit him with Kolati in Levin.

Kolati put out his hand to shake with Anderson, but in return was fatally attacked with a knife.

Murray ran, but tripped, giving Anderson time to catch up and stab her.

Anderson then went back to his flat, got in Koltai’s car and tried to run him over as he lay in the driveway.

Anderson handed himself in to police after spending 30 minutes driving around Levin.

According to a report in the Manawatu¯ Standard, he apologised from the dock when he was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 11 years’ jail.

‘‘I wish I could take it all back. I’ll never forget what I’ve done – I’m really sorry,’’ he said.

Anderson was considered for parole in September and was declined an early release.

According to the Parole Board’s report, Anderson has racked up two misconducts in prison recently.

He was also found with a cellphone in his cell, which he admitted to using – although he denied an allegation he used it to access Facebook.

He has completed various programmes in prison, including the Ma¯ ori-focused Mauri Tu Pae programme to help male prisons learn ways to alter the thoughts, attitudes and behaviours behind their offending.

A psychologist he had been seeing for 15 months gave the board a report, which stated Anderson had good insight into his risk. However, he appeared unable to put strategies in place consisted with what he had learned on his programmes, the board said.

He was on a low-medium security classification, which precluded him from taking part in some reintegration activities.

He also had mental health problems that needed assessment.

Anderson was described as being ‘‘realistic’’ about his prospect of release, but wanted the board to recommend he go into self-care units in prison.

But the board could not support that, saying he was ‘‘some way off’’ that step to release.

However, the board did support him taking part in more reintegration activities.

He will next be considered for parole next year.