No release due to ton of trouble

John Wharemako Gillies. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A notorious criminal with more than 100 convictions has been refused release as the risk of him reoffending is "very high".

John Wharemako Gillies was jailed for 12 years in 1994 after he stabbed Gisborne police officer Nigel Hendrikse with a screwdriver.

He was released on parole in July 2003 but thrown back in jail for four months in early 2004 for assault.

Soon after his release Gillies was back behind bars after he led police on a 13km high-speed chase and assaulted an officer after he was found with cocaine, methamphetamine and cash totaling $21,040 in his car.

He was sentenced to a further seven years' jail in June 2005 and was officially recalled from parole to serve the remainder of his previous sentences. Gillies became eligible for parole this month and appeared before the Parole Board on February 2.

He is not due to be released until May 2012.

Convenor Judge Michael Crosbie said the risk of him reoffending was "very high".

He added: "Given ... Mr Gillies' risk rating and the fact that he effectively remains as an untreated violent offender, the board is not satisfied that he does not pose an undue risk to the safety of the community."

He said Gillies was motivated to make the best of his time in prison and to remain "offence free" on his release.

"He is motivated to gain a lower security classification and the board commends him for that." But he declined parole and requested a full psychological report on Gillies when he appeared before the board again in 12 months' time.