Refusing parole

If the SPA refuses an inmate parole, it must then decides whether to grant an automatic review hearing or direct the inmate to file an application to convince the Authority that a review of the refusal decision is justified.

If a review hearing is automatically granted - which happens if the SPA requires additional information - a date is set for the inmate to appear in court, via AVL and with legal representation.

Where an inmate is required to make an application for a review, they must submit reasons as to why a review is appropriate. The SPA then considers the application at a closed  meeting and if approved, sets a review date.

In cases where an inmate doesn't want a review hearing, or a review is refused, the inmate can re-apply for parole on their anniversary date (annual review date) but only if they have more than 12 months left to serve on their sentence.