R v Steele (No 3)

The case of R v Steele (No 3) involved the defendant, Steele, and the court had to decide on the appropriate post-custodial orders for the defendant's release. The matter was heard and determined by the relevant court. The primary issue before the court was whether the defendant was suitable to progress to stages 3 and 4 of the amended transition plan, which involved his release from custody to a secure facility, Ashton House. The court also needed to consider the level of security offered at Ashton House and whether it was sufficient to house the defendant during this transitional phase.

In reaching its decision, the court considered various reports, including psychiatric assessments, a victim and next of kin counselling report, and the level of security offered at Ashton House. The court was satisfied that Ashton House provided a high standard of care and supervision, with a high staff-to-resident ratio and a small number of residents. The court was also informed that Ashton House is a secure facility, representing a sensible and secure first stage for readjusting to life in the community. The court was satisfied that the proposed level of security should be sufficient to house the defendant on stages 3 and 4 of the new leave program.

Based on the psychiatric reports, the victim and next of kin counselling report, and the level of security offered at Ashton House, the court concluded that it was appropriate for the defendant to progress to stages 3 and 4 of the amended transition plan. The defendant would need to apply again to the court in order to progress any further in the transition plan. The court directed that minutes of the order should be prepared and submitted for its approval. This decision allowed the defendant to take the next step towards reintegration into the community under controlled conditions.