Parole has been granted to a career criminal who stabbed a police officer and who the Parole Board admits poses a high risk of reoffending.
In 1993, John Gillies used a screwdriver to stab Gisborne constable Nigel Hendrikse repeatedly in the neck, chest and thigh, leaving him permanently disabled.
Gillies was found guilty of attempted murder and jailed for 12 years.
In 2003, Gillies was freed on parole but jailed two years later after assaulting two policemen. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for that crime.
By law, Gillies, 39, who has 106 previous convictions, must be freed by May 2012, but will be released in May this year.
The Parole Board says Gillies has the support of his family, which include members of the Mongrel Mob.
But its ruling flags Gillies as high risk, citing his lack of motivation, his previous escape from custody and his violent past.
However, it also explains that Gillies has been well-behaved in recent times and is showing signs of maturity.
The Parole Board granted his release with residential restrictions and 10 special conditions that include he must not drink alcohol or take drugs while on parole, and must undergo a psychological assessment and counselling where needed.
Gillies must not have any contact with his victims without his probation officer's consent and will be electronically monitored.
Mr Hendrikse says it is much better that Gillies is being released now subject to conditions, rather than being released next year with no controls at all.
Gillies to be closely monitored
The Corrections Department is assuring the public it will monitor Gillies "within an inch of his life".
Katrina Casey, general manager of community probation services, told Checkpoint on Tuesday that action will be taken if he does not stick to his parole conditions.
"He is being electronically monitored, so he will be required to be in his residence at certain times. He has got an agency focused on working with him for his reintegration," Ms Casey said.
"He has got several special conditions - and if he does not comply with those conditions, we will be taking action.
"He will be monitored within an inch of his life to the best of the ability that we can."
