VICTIM: James Whakaruru died in Hawke's Bay hospital from extensive internal injuries in April 1999 after prolonged beatings.

A man convicted of beating to death four-year-old James Whakaruru 11 years ago will leave jail next month after serving out nearly his full 12-year manslaughter sentence.

Benny Haerewa was jailed for killing Whakaruru, who died in Hawke's Bay hospital from extensive internal injuries in April 1999 after prolonged beatings.

Haerewa, now 32, is due for release on December 20.

TVNZ BENNY HAEREWA: Due for release on December 20.

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The Parole Board said that while it has fears Haerewa is likely to reoffend, he must be released because he will have served almost his full 12-year manslaughter sentence, Radio New Zealand reported.

Eleven conditions have been attached to his release, including drug, alcohol and psychological assessments and a requirement that Haerewa keep away from gangs and children aged 16 and under.

The board acknowledged the unease the decision had caused James Whakaruru's family.

Its report on Haerewa sounded an alarm.

"We are very concerned about Mr Haerewa's future in the community," it said.

"His psychological assessment is worrying; he is a high-risk offender.

"He is a serious violent offender and in terms of risk to the community there are grave fears.

"Undoubtedly Probation will monitor him over the next six months from his release date very carefully."

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling on the Government to change the law to retrospectively impose preventive detention on Haerewa so that he could be kept in jail.

Spokesman Garth McVicar said few people would be alarmed at doing this.

"The safety of the citizens come before his rights... ultimately this guy is a ticking time bomb," he said.