Photo: NZ HeraldA prolific Canterbury conman and sex offender has been refused parole because he is deemed too high risk - but will be freed in October when his prison sentence ends. Bergen appeared before the Parole Board last month and convinced them he was no longer a risk to the community. "When we saw him last in August 2019 there was a suggestion that there might not be treatment available for Mr Bergen before release. "Whatever the reasons or causes for his failure to have a safety plan, the fact is he does not have a useful safety plan. Sir Ron said the board was satisfied that Bergen was an undue risk and could not be released on parole.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 03, 2020 03:33 UTC