Man convicted over death denied parole

By ALECIA ROUSSEAU

A man convicted over the death of his friend has told the parole board he should have done something to stop the killing.

Michael Paul Zimmerman was denied parole when he appeared before the board last week.

He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment in February 2013 for the manslaughter of Michael Les Valentine.

Zimmerman, Stoyan Militch and Brayden Windley were initially charged with the murder of Valentine but, pleaded guilty to manslaughter part way through their trial. Valentine died when the trio came to his Waitarere Beach property over minor disputes, including a stolen hard drive and someone urinating on a toothbrush.

An argument broke out at the home and Militch fatally stabbed Valentine in the chest. The trio fled the scene and were eventually caught by police.

Zimmerman became eligible for parole this month but, during the hearing, the board said a safety plan he presented had not been canvassed with his support network.

"The board is of the view that should be completed before he is released from prison."

The report states Zimmerman was remorseful for his actions and repeated that he was unable to fathom why he "didn't nip it in the bud before it started".

He said he was sorry for what he did, particularly to Valentine's family who also addressed the board before the hearing.

They stated they did not want Zimmerman to return to areas where family members lived and said he had shown no sign of remorse. They also believe he has taken little responsibility for his role in the offending. And, although he had completed the rehabilitation phase of his sentence, he had not completed any treatment for violence.

Zimmerman is described as a minimum security prisoner whose conduct has been above reproach, and his participation in various programmes has been positive.

The board concluded they would require the residential report before release would be considered. Zimmerman will appear before the board again in August.