How can killer’s risk be ‘low’ ?

Jordan Young’s ‘‘extensive and versatile history of offending’’ and his manipulative behaviour have led to the parole board questioning the accuracy of a risk assessment that put him at a low risk of re-offending.

The 37-year-old recidivist criminal and killer is serving a sentence of four years and one month for charges of burglary and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Young appeared before the board on November 29.

The board report, released to Stuff, outlines his extensive criminal history from the age of 16, which runs to eight pages and includes the conviction for the manslaughter of Debbie Ashton in 2006.

The board noted Young had completed a dependency treatment programme and that he had applied to attend a residential programme at an undisclosed location.

The board said it had been informed that Young’s risk of being convicted and imprisoned again was soon to be reduced from low/medium to low.

But the board queried whether that was a true reflection of Young’s risk.

‘‘We are concerned about his extensive and versatile history of offending and the part drugs have played in it. We are also concerned about his manipulative behaviour, as evidenced in his repeat convictions for attempting to pervert the course of justice,’’ the board report stated.

It required Young to have a psychological assessment to determine if the risk was accurate.

‘‘We would also be assisted by guidance on his risk factors and whether the treatment he has undertaken in custody so far is sufficient to address that risk,’’ it said.

Parole was declined and the board would see Young again in April next year, by which stage the psychological report should have been completed.