Early release for domestic abuser with 'troubling history of violence'

Daniel Kelly will be released from prison in September 2025 at the latest. PHOTO: ROB KIDD
Daniel Kelly will be released from prison in September 2025 at the latest. PHOTO: ROB KIDD
A Dunedin man who kicked a woman so hard she was unable to urinate for two days has been released from prison.

Daniel James Kelly, 26, was released into supported accommodation, 16 months before his statutory release date.

The defendant was sentenced to three years, 11 months’ imprisonment for attacking a woman, a stranger and a dog.

At a parole hearing last month, the board concluded Kelly’s risk could be managed in the community.

Since his last parole hearing in November, when his erratic behaviour was discussed, there had been "a noticeable change" in the inmate.

He told the board about the lessons and strategies he learnt after completing a rehabilitation programme.

He said he could better manage risk issues in the community such as associates, anger and drug use.

"Mr Kelly has a troubling history of violence in a domestic situation. He has been gaining skills to deal with that," the decision said.

"Despite the various risks Mr Kelly faces on returning to the community, he appears to have made good progress on the sentence and he has solid support around him when he leaves prison."

In November 2020, Kelly strangled a woman and dragged her through the house by her hair, punching and kicking her, and slamming a door on her arm as she tried to escape.

On another occasion, he kicked her in the crotch so hard she was unable to urinate for two days.

Other violent outbursts occurred after he had returned home from a Stopping Violence course and also outside a police station.

In October 2021, a woman saw him kick his pit bull mastiff.

When she confronted Kelly, he called her an "old b...." and said he would find out where she lived, then spat at her.

His sentence was due to expire in September 2025.

felicity.dear@odt.co.nz

 

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