'Beast of Blenheim' before parole board

Convicted rapist Stewart Murray Wilson is to appear before the Parole Board in his second attempt at parole.

Nicknamed the "Beast of Blenheim", Murray was jailed for 21 years in 1996 for rape, bestiality, stupefying, ill-treatment of children and indecent assault.

He will face an extended parole board of seven members, including Parole Board chairman Judge David Carruthers, the Marlborough Express reported today.

Wilson was denied parole at his first hearing last September. A report on the new decision will be released soon after the hearing.

Public safety and the likelihood of re-offending will be the parole board's main concern.

- NZPA