Convicted killer, fraud paroled

A KILLER who handed herself into police out of the blue and was recalled to prison after a series of frauds has been released on parole.

Joyce Eileen Conwell, also known as Blondell, was sentenced to life in prison for murder in 2000.

A year earlier she had turned up at a Dunedin police station and confessed to providing a shotgun to Murray Childs, which he had used to kill Alex Rodgers in Christchurch.

She also told officers she had attacked her friend, Doreen Middlemiss, in a Lees St care facility 15 months before.

Blondell pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder and served 12 years in prison before being released on parole to Oamaru.

However, she was recalled to prison in 2017 after meeting a Nigerian man online and committing criminal acts on his behalf.

Conwell (now 72) appeared before a Parole Board panel convened by chairman Sir Ron Young on September 2.

The board heard Conwell had completed all the rehabilitation programmes asked of her.

Sir Ron said when Conwell appeared before the board in May she had made good progress while in prison.

‘‘There was some significant uncertainty regarding accommodation and so further consideration of parole was put off until today’s date,’’ he explained.

‘‘Ms Conwell now has suitable accommodation with an old friend.’’

Sir Ron said Conwell had been undertaking guided releases into the community.

‘‘We are satisfied now that Ms Conwell is no longer an undue risk and may be released on parole,’’ he ruled.

Conwell was released from prison on September 16 and must see the board again in December to monitor her progress.

She is subject to special conditions for the next five years including attending a psychological assessment, not contacting her victims and notifying her probation officer before moving addresses, starting any form or work or intimate relationship.

She must not be involved in the handling of money, provision of advice or management of financial accounts or transactions without the prior written approval of a probation officer

Upon request, she must also make available to a probation officer any internetcapable electronic device that she uses, possesses or controls. — The New Zealand Herald