Graham Capill granted early parole hearing

Graham Capill during his sentencing in 2005. Photo / Simon Baker

Convicted paedophile and former Christian Heritage Party leader Graham Capill has been granted an early parole hearing after completing a therapy programme for child sex offenders.

Capill, 51, was sentenced to nine years' prison in 2005 for multiple sex offences against children aged between five and 11.

He was denied parole for a fourth time in September 2010 after a psychologist's report assessed him as a moderate risk of sexual re-offending.

The board said it would consider his case again if he completed the Kia Marama Child Sex Offenders Programme and presented a plan for a "stable and safe" place where he could be released.

A recently released parole board decision said Capill had complied with those requests.

It ruled in favour of granting his application for a parole hearing three months early in June.

"Clearly no promises are made at this stage. He has, however, complied with the requirements of the Board last time and it is fair that he has an earlier hearing to put his case to the board to assess."

Capill's participation in the Kia Marama programme was labelled his most important step towards getting a new parole hearing.

The Department of Corrections-run programme reduces the risk of sexual reoffending by more than half, according to a Government review.

A full report from Capill's course leader would be available to the board in June.

Parole Board spokeswoman Sonja de Friez said the board may consider an offender's case for release at any time after their parole eligibility date under section 26 of the Parole Act 2002.

An offender may apply to the board at any time for it to exercise its discretion and consider parole.

Capill became eligible for parole in 2008 after serving a third of his sentence.

His statutory release date is June 27, 2014.