UPDATED 4.01pm Convicted killer Scott Watson's latest attempt at parole has been declined again.

His first attempt last year was unsuccessful, so he appeared again before the Parole Board on December the 6th.

A report released by the New Zealand Parole Board revealed the decision today.

The report stated that Watson’s risk of violent recidivism was very high.

On a psychopathy checklist he fell within a group of offenders “who show an elevated rate and speed of recidivism, particularly relative to violence”.

The report acknowledged that limited information is known about his index offending but identified “perceived sexual rejection, ruminations upon revenge, positive affect associated with inflicting pain and distress and a disinhibition through alcohol intoxication”.​

The report found, based on a review of his files and consultation with relevant corrections staff, no reason to suggest that Watson’s risk factors had substantively altered or that there was reason to alter the prior estimate of recidivism risk offered to the parole board.

“The person who committed these crimes was a cold-blooded killer. His victims must have died in terrible circumstances. Mr Watson has been found to be that man beyond reasonable doubt.

“We are clear that Mr Watson has considerably more work to do before he will no longer pose an undue risk. Accordingly, parole is declined.”

The report stated that Watson remained suspicious of the motive of corrections psychologists and psychological services. But a few days before the current hearing Watson confirmed he was willing to keep engaging. It said he enjoyed the psychological counselling but did not see the need to complete further counselling before being released into the community. But Watson’s “unhelpfully suspicious, mistrustful and combative attitude to some persons” will slow his progress down as it will block him from getting what he needs from those who have the resources.

The report stated that Watson remained suspicious of the motive of corrections psychologists and psychological services. But a few days before the current hearing Watson confirmed he was willing to keep engaging. It said he enjoyed the psychological counselling but did not see the need to complete further counselling before being released into the community.

Watson submitted that he does not pose an undue risk to the safety of the community and asked that corrections release him on parole now.

Watson said that even though he has been in prison for 18 years  he is no stranger to the community. He has spent time in the community as part of the community gang mostly supervised by members of the public. Watson doesn’t think he will have trouble gaining employment due to the practical qualifications he has acquired.

Watson has the ongoing support of his partner, father and other family members.

Watson maintains his innocence after serving 17 years for the murder of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart.

The pair disappeared in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year's Day 1998.

Watson’s next parole hearing has been postponed for four years until December 6 2020 due to the estimated time it will take Watson to be rehabilitated.

He has the right to apply for an earlier reconsideration of parole if he believes that there has been a significant change in his circumstances.

An experienced corrections officer who has known Watson through most of his sentence said the convicted murderer has two sides. One that is happy and helpful. And another that that is very manipulative, withdrawn and untrusting.

​“If correctly identified and described these traits suggest the necessary treatment could take considerable time to work through.”

- NZ Herald