Killer may get parole in August

"He will carry responsibility for Michael's death for the rest of his life." Parole Board

A man convicted of killing someone over a stolen hard drive and a prank involving urinating on a toothbrush is set to be released from prison without completing any programmes for violent offenders

Michael Paul Zimmerman was jailed for seven years for the February 2013 manslaughter of Michael Valentine, and conspiring to pervert the course of justice in the wake of the incident.

Zimmerman was initially charged with murder, but he and his co-offenders, Stoyan Militch and Brayden Windley, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge in the first week of their trial.

Zimmerman and Windley were drunk on the night of Valentine’s death, and went to his house to discuss grievances they had with Valentine’s fiance, Elizabeth Ham.

Zimmerman was angry because she held his toothbrush in front of someone urinating into a toilet. Windley alleged she had stolen his hard drive.

Zimmerman decided they should pick up Militch on the way. They also grabbed knives and pitbull dogs.

They had an argument with Valentine, which soon got physical and ended with Militch fatally stabbing Valentine in the chest.

Zimmerman appealed his sentence, saying it was too harsh, but the Court of Appeal dismissed his submission.

At the time, the court said he was effectively in charge of the attack.

Zimmerman became eligible for parole in May after serving half his term, but was declined an early release.

However, the report suggests he is likely to be released after his next appearance in August.

Valentine’s family spoke to the Parole Board before Zimmerman, saying they were opposed to his release.

In its report, the board said Valentine’s family were concerned he showed no remorse and believed there was little sign he had taken responsibility for Valentine’s death.

They also noted he had not taken part in any treatment for violence, and wanted him to stay away from where they lived - Hawkes’s Bay, Taupo and Horowhenua - when released.

Zimmerman told the board he accepted what he did and should have ‘‘done something to nip it in the bud’’ before it began. ‘‘He repeated that he was unable to fathom why he did not stop it before it started,’’ the board said. ‘‘He will carry responsibility for Michael’s death for the rest of his life.’’

Zimmerman was a mimimumsecurity prisoner, while his risk of reconviction and imprisonment was so low he did not qualify for programmes related to violent offending, the board said.

‘‘He said he had asked to attend that programme but was told he was ineligible to do so.’’

The board found Zimmerman had completed the ‘‘rehabilitation phase’’, and did not need a period of reintegration before being fully released on parole.

However, they still declined him parole. While Zimmerman had completed a safety plan, he had not reviewed it with his case manager or probation officer.

‘‘The board is of the view that should be completed before he is released from prison.’’