Gang member who killed police officer denied parole

Andrew Popo in the District Court, Porirua, New Zealand. Photo / NZPA

A Mongrel Mob gang member who ran down and killed a police officer in a stolen car has been denied parole.

Sergeant Derek Wootton was laying road spikes in Titahi Bay, Wellington, in 2008 when 33-year-old Andrew Popo ran him down.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter of the 53-year-old officer after a murder charge was dropped and was sentenced to eight years and nine months' jail, with a non-parole period of five years.

A decision from the Parole Board today said Popo had declined to participate in the preparation of the parole assessment report for a parole hearing earlier this month.

However, the report said he had successfully completed a drug treatment programme in February, despite finding it "difficult and challenging".

Popo was now on the waitlist for a Medium Intensity Rehabilitation programme, which was "clearly an appropriate next rehabilitative step for Mr Popo to take", the decision said.

Popo told the board he was not actively seeking parole and did not supply an address where he might live if granted parole.

However, he would prepare a release proposal including a proposed address before his next Parole Board appearance.

Given the seriousness of his offending and Mr Popo's somewhat "hesitant progression through his sentence", the board said Popo would require an extended reintegration period .

The board said there were no guarantees Popo would be released on parole before his sentence end date on April 12, 2017.

In 2001, Popo was charged with manslaughter after the high-profile shooting of 16-year-old Black Power prospect Wallace Whatuira on Waitangi Day.

He walked when a key witness refused to testify, despite having given evidence against the three Mongrel Mob men during depositions.