Killer’s bid for parole successful
One of four men responsible for killing a Taranaki man has been given another shot at freedom.
Rangi Rick Brown will be released from prison this month on parole, close to a decade after Peri Niwa was murdered in New Plymouth in November 2008.
Brown was one of four Black Power members convicted in connection with Niwa’s death.
After being found guilty at a
2010 trial, Matiu Pahau was jailed for life for murder, with a 17-year non-parole period.
Pahau chased Niwa, who the Black Power members mistakenly believed was part of a rival group, and stabbed him in the ribs as the 31-year-old tried to climb through a window of a Blagdon house in an effort to get away.
Mahana Edmonds, who ordered the attack, was jailed for
14-and-a-half years with a minimum non-parole period of nine-years.
Brown and Adrian Tony Fenton were given 11 years’ jail and had to serve half their sentences before becoming eligible for parole.
Brown appeared before the Parole Board on September 14 at Auckland Prison.
The report said the 48-year-old was previously granted parole but had been recalled to prison in April after using methamphetamine and cannabis. Brown subsequently admitted to the drug use when he appeared before the board.
The report stated Brown had previously completed all the necessary rehabilitation programmes prior to his initial release and that since his recall, he had a chance to reflect on his actions. ‘‘He acknowledges his failings but wishes a further opportunity in the community,’’ the report said.
In its decision to release Brown again, the Parole Board said it was happy the conditions imposed on him would mitigate against any risk he posed to the community. As a result, Brown will have to abide by 10 release conditions until May 2020.
This includes completing an alcohol and drug programme, not to associate with gang members or have any contact with the victims of his offending.
A parole hearing for Fenton is scheduled for this November, while Edmonds becomes eligible for parole in 2019.
Pahau will remain in prison until 2027, before his release is considered.
‘‘He acknowledges his failings but wishes a further opportunity in the community.’’ Parole Board report