'Beast of Blenheim' could be tracked by GPS

Stewart Murray Wilson. Photo / Supplied

The regulations for the release of the man dubbed the "Beast of Blenheim" are due to be decided today.

Serial sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson, is expected to become one of the first people to be continuously tracked by GPS upon his release from prison in September.

A Parole Board hearing at Rolleston Prison today will determine the rules of his release.

Wilson, 65, was jailed for 21 years in 1996 for sexual offending against women and girls including rape, indecent assault, stupefying, wilful ill-treatment of a child and bestiality.

He must be released in spite of being assessed as being at a high risk of reoffending.

He is expected to join 11 others to be monitored by GPS under a new programme to crack down on repeat sex offenders.

From August, convicted sex offenders deemed to be a serious risk to the community will be monitored 24 hours a day by GPS devices attached to ankle bracelets.

The introduction of the new technology to track known sex offenders - the first time in New Zealand - would "strengthen public safety", said Corrections Minister Anne Tolley.

A spokeswoman for the Parole Board said today's hearing cannot decide to change the release date but will look at a range of possible release conditions.

The Board's decision would usually be released within 10 days but because of the high level of public interest in this case and announcement is expected within five days.

The spokeswoman said registered victims, which number over 30, will be informed of the Board's decision first.

Wilson became eligible for parole in December 2008 but the Parole Board ordered he stay in prison until his final release date of September 1, 2012, saying he was likely to reoffend if released.