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The woman raped by former policeman Brad Shipton is due to give evidence to the Parole Board today, ahead of his appearance later this month or in early June.
Shipton, who along with fellow ex-police officer Bob Schollum and millionaire Peter McNamara were convicted of a brutal pack rape of a woman in Mt Maunganui in 1989, has served three years of his 8-1/2 year sentence.
The board last month ruled that Schollum should stay behind bars as he was still a risk to the community and had an "arrogant view" of his role in the pack rape.
McNamara was freed on parole in January after serving 2-1/2 years of a seven-year sentence. The Sensible Sentencing Trust and the victim have asked for a judicial review of that decision, which will be heard in the High Court next month.
The woman, who has permanent name suppression, will today make a personal plea to the board to keep Shipton behind bars.
"Nothing's changed with this man. If they don't keep him in, the rest of my life will be a mess," she told The Dominion Post.
Today will be the fourth time the woman has appeared before the board to keep the rapists behind bars.
She said it was essential she attend so the board could see first-hand the result of the rape. She planned to show the board photographs of her before and after the pack rape and a picture of the police baton used.
"When you show that it brings home the severity. I actually believed they would serve the majority of their sentence - I thought I would get five years of rest and a chance to get my life back."
She said the case was taking its toll. The latest blow was receiving a letter saying the court would not release a copy of the trial transcript.
She gave evidence for three days of the three-week trial but was advised by police not to attend the remainder.
Reading the transcript was now vital, she said.
"It's about me. It's part of the healing process - I'm ready to read it now."
However, Schollum's lawyer, Paul Mabey, said he was concerned about his client's privacy, citing that he had already been "subject to extensive publicity".
- NZPA
* This story earlier incorrectly stated that Shipton would appear before the Parole Board today.
