The |
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The Parole Board says the
conditions were aimed at protecting the public or any person who might be
affected by Ellis's release, and to help his rehabilitation and welfare. The special terms were to live at
a specified address, not to contact the victims or their families without the
written consent of his probation officer, and not to do any paid or voluntary
work without the officer's approval. Ellis, 40, must be released when
he has served two-thirds of his 10-year sentence on February 2. He was jailed in 1993 after a Ellis has continued to say he is
innocent. Appeals have failed to overturn his convictions, but Ellis and his
supporters are still seeking a royal commission of inquiry into his case, and
a pardon from the Governor- General. The Parole Board sets conditions
for the first 12 months of an offender's release. Ellis has said through his
lawyer, Judith Ablett Kerr, QC, that he will not sign release documents if
they imply he was properly convicted. It is not clear what effect Ellis's
intention will have. The Parole Board says it will not
discuss details of any inmate's parole decision but wants the public to
better understand the parole process. "The parole process aims to
ensure that an offender's reintegration to the community is a planned
process, under supervision, with support and parole conditions to minimise
any risk of future offending," the board said. |