Capill release bid stuns victim support groups

Graham Capill. Photo / John McCombe

Advocates for victims of sex abuse are appalled that high-profile convicted paedophile Graham Capill may get an early release from jail.

Capill - the former leader of the Christian Heritage political party and a police prosecutor before his multiple sex offences against girls aged 5 to 11 were exposed - has served less than two-thirds of a nine-year jail sentence.

He is to appear before the Parole Board this month after it granted him an earlier than usual parole hearing.

Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust national manager Ken Clearwater said it was wrong to even consider an early release for Capill.

"I think that for not only the damage he did, but the positions that he held, he should have to serve his full sentence," Mr Clearwater said.

"He manipulated people for years ... including the children that he sexually violated. He's a very clever, manipulative paedophile. I just wouldn't trust for him a moment."

The Parole Board said Capill had completed the Kia Marama child sex offenders programme. He would need to put together a strong plan for his release, with an approved place to live.

"All of that will need to be put before the board and clearly no promises are made at this stage," said board chairman Sir David Carruthers.

"He has, however, complied with the requirements of the board last time and it is fair that he has an earlier hearing toput his case to the board to assess."

A Parole Board report in September said Capill was low-security, drug-free and well behaved.

"He keeps himself busy. While he is not by any means a well man, his current health is stable."

Mr Clearwater said although some sex abusers could reform themselves, he doubted Capill had changed.

"I think he's still a danger to children in the community."

Capill supporters declined to speak to the Herald about an early release, saying the publicity would only hamper his progress.

Capill's wife Judith has stood by her husband.