Stuff Digital Edition

Convicted murderer denied parole again

Scott Watson, the man convicted of murdering friends Olivia Hope and Ben Smart after a New Year’s Eve party in the Marlborough Sounds, fears he will be stuck in prison forever. Yesterday, the now 50-yearold Watson was denied parole for the fourth time, after the Parole Board said he remained an undue risk to the public. Watson, who has served more than 23 years behind bars, has always maintained his innocence. This prevented the ‘‘core risk’’ at the heart of his offending from being addressed, board chairman Sir Ron Young said. ‘‘You’ve killed two people in callous circumstances . . . and that’s never been explored,’’ he said. Watson was notably nervous at yesterday’s hearing. He had two supporters with him in the room, and another appearing remotely. Watson won’t be able to put forward his case for release again for another two years. His next appearance is scheduled for October 2023. Watson’s father, Chris Watson, who was at the hearing, told Stuff he was ‘‘pretty down and out’’ when the Parole Board announced its decision. He said his son appeared ‘‘disgusted’’ by the decision.

National News

en-nz

2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://stuff.pressreader.com/article/281629603547997

Stuff Limited