When a person in prison is seriously unwell and is unlikely to recover, they can apply for release on compassionate grounds.
The Parole Board declined to refer Kannewischer’s application to a hearing as it required further detail about his diagnosis and prognosis, and a confirmed address to release him to, Miles said.
Corrections had applied to multiple accommodation providers before submitting Kannewischer’s application.
“Unfortunately, we were not able to confirm a suitable accommodation provider willing to accept the man before he passed away on 4 May 2021.”
The Parole Board’s decision said the application for compassionate release contained no medical information from a registered medical practitioner treating Kannewischer. It did not say what illness he suffered from, whether it was serious or not, or whether he was likely to recover.