KEY POINTS:
The country's youngest killer, Bailey Junior Kurariki, is an articulate, intelligent young man, who appears genuine in his desire to live an offence-free life, the Parole Board said yesterday.
Kurariki was 12 years old when he was involved - along with five others - in the baseball-bat killing of South Auckland pizza delivery man Michael Choy in September 2001.
He was found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years in jail.
The Parole Board said yesterday it had adjourned Kurariki's parole hearing for one month to allow funding of a mentoring programme to be investigated. He is due to be released on September 16.
The comments are in stark contrast to Parole Board reports released in January and July last year, which said Kurariki was "at very high risk of general and violent reoffending".
Yesterday's Parole Board decision said it was appropriate to point out the progress Kurariki had made during his time in jail.
"Despite the problems he presented with earlier in his incarceration he has over the past several months, and particularly since his transfer to the [withheld] Unit, showed a self-discipline and determination to stay out of trouble and benefit from the programmes available to him."
The board said he presented as an articulate and intelligent, young man, who focused on achievable goals.
"He appears genuine in his desire to live an offence-free life and those responsible for him in prison have noted a developing maturity."
The board recommended that as soon as it was considered appropriate, Kurariki should be permitted day leave.
Mr Choy's mother, Rita Croskery, told the Herald yesterday that she hoped Kurariki was reformed, but said it would be difficult to know whether he had really changed. "Because he's expecting to be released, he's got to behave himself so I suppose he's restrained himself and learned a little bit of self-discipline in the meantime."
