Dunedin killer stays caged for brutal 1997 murder of ex-girlfriend

After nearly 30 years behind bars a Dunedin killer still poses an undue risk to the community, the Parole Board says. 

Gareth Lawrence Smither, 54, was jailed for life in 1997 for the murder of his ex-girlfriend 26-year-old Karen Jacobs. 

He stabbed her more than 30 times then attacked her with a garden spade, all while her young daughter was in the house. 

Last year, Smither was declined parole and the board sought a psychiatric report in preparation for his most recent hearing. 

However, panel convener Kathryn Snook said that assessment had still not been undertaken, due to Te Whatu Ora’s “capacity and limited resources”. 

“Given the role of Mr Smither’s mental health in his offending, we are concerned to ensure that we have a psychiatric report to assess the current status of Mr Smither’s mental health," she said. 

The board also commissioned a psychological risk assessment to review the Waikeria Prison inmate’s release plan. 

Ms Jacobs’ family continued their vehement opposition to Smither’s release. 

“The impact of his offending has been enormous,” Ms Snook said. 

“They expressed concern that the offending was planned and sustained. They remain concerned regarding Mr Smither's ability to stay safe in the community and do not think that any supervision will be sufficient to protect the community.” 

The inmate’s managing Corrections officer described him as “easy to manage and respectful”. 

During the 29 years in lock up, Smither had received no internal misconduct charges, the board heard. 

At times, however, he had a tendency to “sweat the small things”, the officer said. 

Smither told the board that his mental health was currently stable and stressed he understood the importance of taking his prescribed medication. 

He said his early-warning signs included: law mood, overinvesting in relationships and what he described as “pathological jealousy”. 

“He said that sometimes he does have low-level paranoia, and he agreed that his risk rises in intimate relationships,” Ms Snook said. 

Smither had undertaken sex-offender treatment a decade ago, as well as therapy to address substance-abuse issues, and had been a minimum-security prisoner for an extended period. 

He was currently working as a cleaner outside the wire. 

Smither will be brought before the Parole Board again in August.