Can Dean Wickliffe change his ways?
This will be an interesting question once the 62-year-old is paroled from prison this month after serving yet another term behind bars.
The Maketu man is one of the country's most infamous criminals.
He was first jailed in 1972 for murder, although this was reduced to manslaughter.
He was charged with murder again but ultimately acquitted. He has a record for violence and dishonesty. During one of his stints behind bars, he escaped from maximum security at Paremoremo. His latest sentence was for drugs and firearm charges.
Now, as reported in the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, the Parole Board believes Wickliffe is ready to be released again and poses no threat to the community.
His release conditions will be strict - including electronic monitoring, bans on alcohol, illegal drugs and guns.
Many people believe in second chances, although in Wickliffe's case he has had plenty of chances. What makes the parole experts so sure this time will be different?
The board believes he is now more empathetic and understands the needs and concerns of others. It noted that when previously released because his partner was terminally ill he complied with parole conditions.
We hope the board is right.
Wickliffe has hardly given taxpayers - the people who have paid to keep him for so many years - much reason to think he can make a contribution to society.
Some experts believe people can be rehabilitated; others believe leopards like Wickliffe don't change their spots.
Soon it will be his chance to prove the naysayers wrong and that he can finally turn his life around and be a decent member of the Bay of Plenty community.
Given his age and the Parole Board's reasoning, we believe Wickliffe has done plenty of time and deserves another chance. Let's hope he can make decent use of his remaining years on this earth.
Offering to make amends to his victims would be a good start.
