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Archived Press Releases 2009 22nd January 2009

OUTSIDE THE WIRE WITH WEAPON OF CHOICE – A SHOVEL!

(22nd January 2009)

How many violent offences must a criminal have before we forget about rehabilitation asks the Sensible Sentencing Trust.

Alan Monk, Police and Corrections Spokesman for SST says the so-called escape of yet another prisoner – “Outside the Wire” - brings into question the whole issue of criteria being used in risk assessment of prisoners in custody.

Aria Whakaari Hema was convicted in October 1999 of the attempted rape of a 16 year old girl and the attempted murder of 76 year Bruce Butler who cam to her rescue. In 2004 whilst serving this sentence in Mangaroa Prison Hema attacked and seriously injured three prison guards with a shovel.

For this attack he was sentenced to a further 6 years imprisonment to be served cumulatively

Mr Monk said this effectively meant the attack on the prison officers was a total freebie or a bulk discount. Hema was not due for release until 2016.

“It is astounding that just four years later, the authorities have seen fit to release him “Outside the Wire”.

“This psychopath was released on work detail with his weapon of choice – a shovel – and he escapes!”

“The Minister of Correction needs to be asking her Department why recidivist violent criminals are being released at all. How many violent offences must a criminal have before we forget about rehabilitation and put safety of the public first?”

“This is another example of a failed philosophy and poor decision making by the Department that will again place the public at risk.” Mr Monk said.

At the time of Hema’s sentence the Crown sought a preventive detention sentence stating that Hema “was a smoldering powder keg waiting to blow."

Mr Butler’s daughter has contacted the Sensible Sentencing Trust to express her outrage.

She said it was astounding that someone with such a bad criminal history could be released on work detail at all – let alone with a shovel!

Regards,

Alan Monk : 021 0757977
or 06 8355521
Sensible Sentencing Trust
Police and Corrections Spokesman