Nia's abuser still a risk - Parole Board

Michael Pearson, jailed for his role in abusing Rotorua toddler Nia Glassie, was denied parole because he still poses a risk to the community.

Pearson, 20, has served 21 months of a three-year sentence after being found guilty of wilfully mistreating 3-year-old Nia, who died of brain injuries in August 2007 after suffering continued abuse at the hands of her family.

The toddler was spun in a clothes dryer and put on a rotary clothesline and spun until she fell to the ground.

Pearson, Nia's cousin, became eligible for parole last month but was refused early release.

The decision, released to Rotorua's Daily Post this week, stated that the threat Pearson posed to the safety of the community "remains undiminished".

When he was sentenced Pearson was assessed as being of high risk of re-offending "with a propensity for violence and substance abuse issues".

The Parole Board said it had seen nothing since to depart from the sentencing judge's assessment. A report recommended Pearson complete a "medium-intensity rehabilitation programme" but noted that before that he would need to improve his literacy skills.

Pearson will have to wait another year before he can appear before the Parole Board again.

- NZPA