Christchurch woman Gay Oakes, serving a life sentence after being convicted of the murder of her partner Doug Gardner in 1994, has made a plea for freedom before the parole board.
However a decision on whether she will be released is not expected for a number of weeks, a Department of
Corrections spokesperson said yesterday.
Oakes is not due for release from Christchurch Womens Prison until 2004, and has already been turned down on a bid for early parole in 1995.
Previously it has been argued on her behalf that she was a battered woman, a claim disputed by Doug Gardners family.
Family members have strongly opposed early release and were able to address the parole board yesterday.
- CHRISTCHURCH STAR
