Convicted murderer Phillip John Smith has been declined parole today.
Phillip Smith Photo: RNZ / Murielle Baker
Smith was given a life sentence in 1996 for murdering the father of a boy whom he had been sexually abusing.
He fled the country last November while on a three-day release from Spring Hill Prison in Waikato, flying to Chile and then Brazil.
Smith was due to appear before the Parole Board today but decided to waive his appearance just minutes before it.
The board said he would not be released as he still posed an undue risk to the community.
He will be reconsidered for parole in November this year, when an updated psychological report will be available.
