"We have concluded that, primarily because of Mr Smither's mental health, he is not well enough currently to be released. "The problems we identify are that Mr Smither, over quite an extended period, has been low in mood and has stopped working. "Even today, Mr Smither before us accepted that he had regular days off work when his paranoia intervened." "His current mental health has also a parallel with his mental health at the time of the murder," said Sir Ron. "Given Mr Smither's vulnerable mental health and the uncertainty of appropriate accommodation we are satisfied he remains an undue risk," Sir Ron concluded.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 26, 2019 22:07 UTC