Likelihood of Reoffending and Prospects of Rehabilitation
- In terms of the Offender's prospects of rehabilitation, and likelihood of reoffending, Mr Peter Champion, psychologist, stated:-
"[22] In relation to the issue of anxiety related disorders he spoke of a particular fear of sharks as a result of seeing the victim of a shark attack at a beach; and also a wariness with some dogs, this flowing from his experience of being bitten by a number of dogs. He spoke of tending to like neatness and order, and that at time this lead him to bouts of house-cleaning, though whether this reflects a tendency to obsessive-compulsive disorder is not clear. While he has experienced a range of traumas, for instance being abducted by his Father (though he was very young), seeing his mother beaten by a partner, attempting suicide, being in a MVA, being assaulted, it was not obvious that this had resulted in a clinical form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or the like." [45]
- Ms Hubner stated that apart from individual counselling to address the causes of offending such as anti-social attitudes and criminal tendencies, drug-use and antisocial associates, the Offender would benefit from intensive drug and alcohol treatment programs such as that provided by corrective services at John Moroney Correctional Centre. She also suggested that he would benefit from placement in the violent Offenders' treatment program at the Long Bay Correctional Centre so as to manage difficult life events and minimise his aggressive behaviour. She states that in the months prior to, and post release, the Offender may benefit from referral to case management with connections, Salvation Army Services or through care support programs, where available. [46]
- The Offender has no skills, serious substance dependencies which are noted to be a direct factor in his violent behaviour. Danny Velebit, Community Corrections Officer states in the Pre-sentence report that the Offender would benefit from admission into a residential rehabilitation service or regular individual AOD counselling. I accept that this would be appropriate. [47]
- I have noted that the Offender's intention as expressed was to reside with his mother in Casino. Enquires undertaken by Community Corrections state that there is limited AOD counselling services in the town and the nearest services are in Lismore which is 25-30kms away. Nonetheless, I have noted that the Offender is receptive to treatment and dedicated to making positive changes in his life, which are protective factors against recidivism. [48]
- I have earlier referred to the evidence of the Offender's criminal antecedents shows that during the period from 2012 to 2015, there was a period of stability. There was also another period between the age of 19 and 22 when he is not recorded as committing offences.
- The Offender has had a history of substance abuse issues dating since he was 15 years of age. The reported evidence of intervention was when he attended a brief detoxification program in 2010 with limited success. There is no evidence in his custodial history that he has incurred penalites for institutional misconduct since he came into custody on 27 January 2016, except for one matter of destroying/damaging property on 5 September 2016. In particular, there was no reference to any drug related matters.
- Overall, I would accept that the Offender should be assessed as a medium risk of reoffending; and criminogenic needs being drug problems, attitude/orientation, emotional/personal. [49]
- I further accept his prospects of rehabilitation must be regarded as guarded at the present time.