Rape complainant unaware of serial offender's release

Richard Miller's release, under an extended supervision order, was granted by the High Court in Wellington. Photo/File

One of serial sex offender Richard Miller's victims wants to know why she was not told of his release.

The victim says she had no idea he was getting out until she saw a Hawke's Bay Today article about it on social media.

On Tuesday, the High Court in Wellington granted an extended supervision order for the former Napier man, who raped and sexually abused four young girls between 1990 and 2008.

The 55-year-old was due to walk from prison today, having served his full sentence of nine years and nine months' imprisonment, but willhave to comply with the supervision order.

The victim, whose indentity has been suppressed by court, said neither Corrections nor police have been in touch with her about Miller's pending release, despite her giving evidence against him at his 2008 trial.

"I think we need to be told. He ruined my childhood and the people he did this to need to be told he's getting out and these are his conditions. The victims need a bit more support."

The woman fears what he might do when the extended supervision order expires.

"I realise they can't keep him in prison any longer because he's served his full sentence, but why can't he be forced to get treatment?"

She says it's definitely hard knowing he'll be released.

"I'm really anxious he could come and find me, or track me down through social media.

"He should be put back in jail and the key thrown away, and left to rot there."

A Corrections spokesperson said Miller would be subject to a number of conditions for eight years starting today, as well as intensive monitoring for the maximum 12 months. "Mr Miller cannot be lawfully held in prison for any longer. Public safety is our top priority and the order will enable us to monitor and manage the long-term high risk Mr Miller presents to the safety of the community."

Last seen by the Parole Board last November, Miller had undergone one-to-one psychological treatment spanning 14 sessions "on the basis that he hypothetically offended".

The board noted in its report this was a "curious position" and stated psychological opinion held he was a "high-risk sexual offender".

Last month, Miller's lawyer Matthew Phelps argued against the length of the order and intensive monitoring conditions, saying they weren't necessary.

However, a Department of Corrections psychologist said Miller had a high chance of reoffending.

"For offenders with the same score [of risk factors] as Mr Miller, their sexual recidivism rate over 10 years was in excess of 50 per cent, so 51.8 per cent."

The Corrections spokesperson said Miller's conditions were extensive and took into consideration the seriousness of his past offending.

The supervision order had 13 standard conditions imposed by the court, sometailored for Miller to comply with while he lived on prison property. The spokesperson confirmed he would not be living in Hawke's Bay.

The intensive monitoring condition would require Miller to be accompanied and monitored, for up to 24 hours a day, by a contracted provider.