An artist convicted of sexually abusing two girls, one as she was shackled and the other while she slept, will be released from prison this week.
Brendan Nolan was sentenced to five years and three months' jail in 2012.
He sexually violated the young girls in 1999 and 2001, before his metal artworks and sculptures gained popularity on Kapiti Coast, north of Wellington.
The 62-year-old was still deemed to pose a moderate-high risk of sexual offending in the middle of last year, but has now been granted parole, four months before his sentence ends.
In its decision, the Parole Board said it was satisfied with the plan to prevent Nolan reoffending.
"The plan is comprehensive. While there is always some risk associated with release, the Board is satisfied that the relapse prevention plan and proposal, together with the extensive community support, is such that any risk between now and the statutory release date will not be undue," it said.
Nolan will be on an overnight curfew and is banned from going to Paekakariki, where his offending occurred.
One of Nolan's artworks, a sculpture of a tui, once marked the entrance to Paraparaumu beach, while another adorned Paekakariki School.
Both works were taken down within weeks of his sentencing.
