In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Aubrey Thomas Harrison lost his bid for early release from prison following the 2017 murder of a convicted sex offender. On appearing before the parole board, the defendant—who was convicted of the murder of Glen Stinson in Foxton, New Zealand—was denied freedom after a report determined he remained a high risk of re-offending. It was reported that Harrison, along with his uncle Bruce Raymond Tamatea and a woman, killed Stinson after discovering him abusing a 10-year-old girl at a party.
The investigation established the “brutal” nature of the vigilante attack that led to Stinson’s death. Authorities reported that the trio forced Stinson into a vehicle and drove him to a location in Foxton, where he was subjected to a sustained assault. The prosecution reported that Stinson was beaten with a hammer and stomped on before being choked to death by Tamatea. The investigation established that while the group claimed they only intended to “scare” or “bash” the victim, his body was ultimately abandoned outside a poultry farm.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the killing occurred while Stinson was awaiting trial for the rape of the young girl. The High Court heard that the woman involved had explicitly threatened to kill Stinson before the trio carried out the fatal assault. The investigation established that Harrison was found guilty of murder and assault, Tamatea was found guilty of murder, and the woman was convicted of manslaughter for her role in the incident.
The Sentencing Judge noted that regardless of Stinson’s criminal history, the law does not permit vigilante execution. For his actions in Foxton, Harrison was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 12 years. The judge noted that the victim, Stinson, was a prolific serial paedophile with over 10 sexual convictions dating back to age 17, and had previously breached bail while loitering outside Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in New Zealand, the status of Aubrey Thomas Harrison is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Life Imprisonment (Sentenced 2017).
- Non-Parole Period: 12 years (Minimum).
- Parole Status: Denied (August 2019).
- Risk Assessment: Categorised as high risk of re-offending.
- Judicial Oversight: Convicted of Murder and Assault.
- Co-Defendants: Bruce Raymond Tamatea (Murder); Female associate (Manslaughter).
- Location of Offence: Foxton, Manawatū-Whanganui.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Harrison remains incarcerated within the New Zealand prison system following the rejection of his 2019 parole application. Due to the nature of his conduct in Foxton, which involved a premeditated and violent joint-enterprise murder, his potential release is subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Authorities state that Harrison must demonstrate significant rehabilitation and a reduction in his risk profile before any future application for release on licence can be considered.
As a convicted murderer, Harrison will remain subject to life-long parole conditions if he is ever released. Authorities state that the circumstances of the 2017 killing—where a hammer was used as a weapon and the victim was left at a rural site—necessitate a cautious approach to his management. Any future release would involve strict requirements regarding his residence, associates, and movements to ensure the safety of the public and prevent further acts of “vigilante” violence.
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