A Somalian refugee who hijacked a van at knifepoint before stabbing two people will remain behind bars for now.

The parole board has decided against Zakariye Hussein leaving prison.

The 29-year-old had claimed to be "possessed by the devil" when he led the knife-wielding rampage across Christchurch over three years ago.

Hussein was only stopped after a bystander struck him with a crowbar, before police were forced to shoot him twice in the shoulder and wrist.

The Parole Board has left it open for him to apply for a treatment programme to address his issues.

He'll be seen again in the usual statutory cycle.