The crime emerged as part of the fallout of the infamous Louise Nicholas case.
Shipton was jailed for 8 years in 2005 but released after serving three years. The Parole Board weighed a number of factors, including the decision that Shipton was no longer an "undue" risk to the community.
He has been subject to a raft of strict parole conditions, such as living at a certain address, not communicating with his co-offenders or victim, and not talking to the media.
These are sensible rules that are supposed to stay in force until he would have completed his full sentence.
But now it has been revealed that Shipton wants to have his release conditions cancelled.
The Parole Board is considering this request and has, quite rightly, met his victim over the matter. It is anticipated a decision will be released next week.
Victims rights groups are upset by the application, with the Sensible Sentencing Trust describing it as "appalling".
The trust is right. It is appalling.
There is something seriously wrong with our system when such leniency can be shown and considered for someone convicted of such a heinous crime.
The Parole Board, headed by Judge Sir David J. Carruthers and made up of a group of influential people, is a powerful organisation and needs to use its power wisely.
It decides whether to release criminals from jail or home detention, and sets conditions for offenders upon release.
By law, offenders serving sentences of less than two years automatically serve half their sentence and get out without appearing before the board. Those serving more than two years and not given a minimum period of imprisonment, must go before the board after they have served one third of their sentence, and at least once every 12 months until released.
An offender must be released when they've done their full time unless released earlier.
In Shipton's case, I believe he has got off way too lightly.
Sure, I have a strong, conservative view on law and order, but how can anyone, even the most liberal of people, say that three years behind bars for rape is adequate?
It is far from adequate. Justice has not been done in this case.
Shipton's original sentence was too soft. He should have got 20 years without parole.
His early release was a slap in the face for all sex crime victims.
If the board now wipes or softens his parole conditions, it will be another slap in the face for them.
