It now looks likely 34-year-old Nathan Boulter will remain behind bars until his prison term expires in April.
The Parole Board last month heard the Invercargill Prison inmate had not engaged in formal rehabilitative programmes but was undergoing one-on-one work with a clinician.
It was not enough to persuade panel convener Judge Charles Blackie to allow early release.
"Today, the situation is somewhat unclear. Mr Boulter has had a number of individual sessions with a psychologist, and it is anticipated that this will continue in the immediate future," he said.
"However, with regard to accommodation, despite extensive inquiry, no firm proposals are able to be put forward."
In July 2020, Boulter was locked up after visiting a woman’s home, taking photos and, over the course of a single day, calling her 300 times and leaving more than 100 voicemail messages.
While serving his sentence, Boulter discussed his release with a Corrections officer.
"He said he was going to go back to Invercargill to strangle his ex-partner and ... once he has strangled her he can get on with his life," court documents stated.
The officer tried to dissuade Boulter but he underscored his intentions repeatedly.
It was not the first instance of extreme behaviour in his criminal history.
Boulter made national headlines in 2012 when he was jailed for eight and a-half years after taking his former partner captive and transporting her from Southland to Great Barrier Island.
He held her there for 38 hours and subjected to her to numerous assaults.
With Boulter’s release date fast approaching, Judge Blackie directed a "multidisciplinary team meeting" so all agencies could formulate a plan around his management.
He also sought a report from the psychologist outlining the treatment so far provided and what further work was needed.
Boulter will see the board again next month.
