Mateo Melina Nixon, 37, was sentenced to 13 years in prison when he appeared in Dunedin court in August 2015 on a slew of charges and was released this week on parole with several more years of his sentence.
The sex offender hunted some of his victims through his involvement in outdoor dance events between October 2009 and July 2012.
At the time of sentencing, the court learned that many of the women had been friends with his then-girlfriend and he assaulted them while they were asleep or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Nixon was denied parole in January and failed to request a review of the board’s decision in March.
This month, his defense counsel Michael Bott emphasized that the Otago Corrections Facility inmate had engaged psychological services and had a successful assisted release under his belt.
There was also a “comprehensive security plan,” he said.
Nixon had not been found suitable for the specialized adult sex offender program, but had instead completed individual therapy.
“This helped him understand the impact his life experience had on him and shaped the way he developed. It helped him understand why he fell into a lifestyle that was not good for him or the people around him and the reasons for it and the resulting decisions that led to the violation,” said panel chair Serina Bailey.
“He spoke very clearly and eloquently regarding these matters.”
Nixon had a lot of support in the community, the board heard.
One woman described how proud she had been of his progress, he had become “much more communicative and analytical”.
Under conditions of Nixon’s parole were:
– Living at an address approved by the Probation Service.
– Submit to electronic control.
– Adhere to a curfew from 10pm to 6am.
– Do not have contact with young people under the age of 16.
– Do not go to a nightclub, festival, concert or rave.
– Do not contact victims.
– Not be in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
– To attend treatment as directed by Probation.
– Notifying the probation service of changes in employment.
– Inform probation officers about changes in relationship status.