Parole not a ‘given’ for notorious criminal John Fagan

A notorious criminal who has racked up about 100 convictions for fraud and forgery has impressed with his efforts to go on the straight and narrow.

But, the Parole Board has warned John Grant Fagan an early release from jail later this year is no ‘‘given’’.

Fagan, 58, is about three years into a five-year, one-month, sentence for a multimillion-dollar fraud to do with a Manawatu¯ technology company, and escaping custody and kidnapping his now former wife.

At a hearing at Rimutaka Prison in Upper Hutt last week, a slimmed-down Fagan was declined parole.

The board yesterday released its full decision, in which it noted Fagan’s progress, including his regular employment in the retail sector, for which he is allowed out of prison at night-time. He wants to continue the job when he’s released, and live in the Horowhenua-ka¯ piti area.

‘‘Mr Fagan has made good progress, but the board has not yet been able to be satisfied that he would not pose an undue risk to the safety of the community,’’ the board report says.

‘‘Parole is declined and he will be seen again in the month of September... It should not be taken as a ‘given’ that parole would then be granted, as that will be entirely for determination by the then panel and will depend upon all the circumstances then existing.’’

A psychologist assesses Fagan at ‘‘low-moderate risk of reoffending’’ and in a report says Fagan has ‘‘shown motivation to want to change his behaviour’’.

‘‘He has shown some commitment to exploring how his past may have influenced the development of his personality,’’ the psychologist says.

Fagan has 139 convictions, mostly for fraud or forgery. His most infamous offending happened in 1996.

He defrauded the Auckland school where he worked out of more than $1 million, fired a gun above a 16-year-old girl’s head and went on the run, calling Sir Paul Holmes’ radio show live on air.

The board has asked for a ‘‘treatment report’’ from Fagan’s psychologist at his next parole hearing.