Key Takeaways:
- Mark Lundy, a convicted murderer, is making good progress in his first few months of release from prison.
- He is allowed to speak to the media, but cannot use social media.
- Lundy’s night-time curfew has been lifted, and he is gradually expanding his social contacts.
- He is subject to 17 release conditions, including a ban on entering certain areas and restrictions on his use of electronic devices.
- Lundy’s next parole hearing is scheduled for March, where his progress will be further monitored.
Introduction to Mark Lundy’s Case
Mark Lundy, a 66-year-old convicted murderer, has been making good progress in his first few months of release from prison, according to a monitoring report released by the Parole Board. Lundy was released from Tongariro Prison in May, after being granted parole following a hearing the previous month. He has always maintained his innocence, despite being found guilty of killing his wife Christine and 7-year-old daughter Amber in their Palmerston North home in August 2000.
Compliance with Release Conditions
Lundy has been fully compliant with the conditions imposed on his release, including providing a negative drug test and not using non-prescribed drugs or drinking alcohol. He has also been gradually expanding his social contacts, and his probation officer has checked his electronic devices to ensure he is complying with his social media ban. The Parole Board has relaxed some of the conditions imposed on Lundy, including lifting his night-time curfew and allowing him to speak to the media. However, he is still subject to a ban on having his own social media accounts and posting on social media.
Changes to Release Conditions
The Parole Board has made some changes to Lundy’s release conditions, including clarifying the social media ban to make it clear that he cannot have a social media account or post on social media. Lundy’s lawyer, Ella Burton, had requested this change, citing the difficulty of accessing information from various sources without encountering social media. The board has also lifted the ban on Lundy giving media interviews, citing the fact that the media interest in his progress in the community remains, but the continued restriction on his ability to respond to requests can no longer be sustained.
Progress and Support
Lundy’s brother-in-law, Dave Jones, has said that the release has gone smoothly, and Lundy is "ticking along well." Jones noted that Lundy has done everything that has been asked of him and has not had any breaches. However, Jones expressed concern that Lundy may still face challenges, particularly if his photo is published and he receives negative attention. Lundy is still electronically monitored and is a stickler for abiding by his conditions, according to Jones.
Future Monitoring
The Parole Board has decided to see Lundy again in March for further monitoring, to assess his progress and ensure that he is continuing to comply with his release conditions. Lundy is subject to 17 release conditions, including a ban on entering certain areas, restrictions on his use of electronic devices, and requirements to inform probation of any intimate relationships. The board will continue to monitor Lundy’s progress and adjust his conditions as necessary to ensure that he is able to reintegrate into the community safely and successfully.
Background and History
Lundy was convicted of murder in 2002 and again in 2015, after the Privy Council overturned his initial convictions. He was sentenced to a 20-year minimum term and was eligible for parole in 2022. Lundy has always maintained his innocence, and his case has been the subject of significant media attention and public interest. The Parole Board’s decision to grant Lundy parole and relax some of his release conditions reflects his progress and compliance with his conditions, but also acknowledges the ongoing risks and challenges associated with his release.