Beast of Blenheim to remain behind bars

File photo / APN

The Parole Board has stuck to its decision to keep the sex offender known as the 'Beast of Blenheim' behind bars until his release date.

Stewart Wilson, now 64, was convicted in 1996 for sex offending involving women and girls and animals over a period of 25 years.

The charges included rape, bestiality, stupefying, ill-treatment of children and indecent assault.

He was sentenced to 21 years' jail and has now served two thirds of his sentence, meaning he could have been released in December 2008.

However, the Parole Board issued a non-release order to prevent his release at the time.

At a hearing on November 23, the order was reviewed and the board again denied Wilson's release.

In its decision released today, the board said Wilson declined to be interviewed for a full assessment.

"The board concludes that nothing has changed. It notes that he continues to be an untreated sex offender and has not worked towards a constructive and structured release proposal," it said.

Wilson is due to be released on September 1, 2012.

- NZPA