Cop killer still poses an undue risk, says Parole Board
Almost six years after killing Porirua policeman Derek Wootton, Mongrel Mob member Andrew Popo is no closer to being considered for release.
In July 2008, Wootton was killed when he was run down by Popo while he laid out road spikes in Dimock St, Titahi Bay.
Popo was jailed for eight years and nine months after pleading guilty to manslaughter. He had been out of jail for only three months when he hit and killed Wootton, and has a criminal his- tory that includes 83 previous convictions dating back to 1991.
Popo was denied parole at his first hearing last year, and fared no better at his second hearing earlier this month.
In the Parole Board decision it was revealed Popo waived his right to appear in person, because he had not completed the rehabilitation programmes as required.
At his last hearing it was made ‘‘very clear’’ he remained an undue risk to the community and needed to engage in programmes he is scheduled to attend.
‘‘It is our understanding that he has agreed to undertake programmes, but at this point in time, nothing has happened for him and he is really in no stronger position for parole today.’’
Popo was classified as an identified drug user after returning three consecutive positive results for cannabis while in prison.
In January, he returned a negative result and his status was scheduled for review in October, but the board noted he had ‘‘a lot of work to do’’ to be considered for parole.
‘‘For the record, we have seen various victims of his offending, all of whom feel he should address his offending needs to prevent any risk to people in the future and they also wish to see him serve his sentence fully. They do not support his release into the community, particularly at this time.’’