12 Dec 2012

Ewen Macdonald denied parole

6:13 am on 12 December 2012

The man acquitted of killing Feilding farmer Scott Guy has been denied parole.

Ewen Macdonald was jailed for five years in September for offences including arson, vandalism and killing calves, committed before Mr Guy was killed.

Ewen Macdonald.

Ewen Macdonald. Photo: R

Scott Guy was found shot dead at the end of his driveway in the early hours of 8 July, 2010. Macdonald, his brother-in-law, was found not guilty of his murder in July this year.

Macdonald has spent a total of 20 months in custody, including a year while awaiting trial. Having served a third of his sentence, he is eligible for parole. However, following a hearing on Tuesday, the Parole Board said it was not satisfied that Macdonald does not pose an undue risk to the community.

The board said Macdonald needs to undergo one-on-one psychiatric counselling and a forensic psychiatric assessment. He will be able to apply for parole again in November 2013.

Macdonald's estranged wife Anna Guy told Radio New Zealand's Nine to Noon programme she does not dwell on when Macdonald is going to be released and will deal with it when it happens.

Speaking before Tuesday's hearing, she said she sometimes gets overwhelmed when she looks back at what happened. Ms Guy said she is moving to Auckland next month and looking forward to starting a new career.