Corrections must act on love child case

The Corrections Department must taken action against the prisoner who fathered a child with a prison officer while behind bars, says National's Corrections spokesman, Tony Ryall. "Prison bosses say they are powerless to act against the former officer who says she had the love child of a convicted rapist. They say there is no concrete evidence. "Well, what do you call the baby? The Department would be the only people in New Zealand who do not know that something went on behind the cell door," says Mr Ryall.

Former prison officer Raewyn Houia has publicly admitted she had sexual relations with David James Shepherd who is serving 11 years at Paparua Prison for stupefying and raping two teenage girls babysitting at his house.

"The couple's names reportedly appear on the child's birth certificate. Shepherd has not denied paternity," says Mr Ryall.

"Sex between prisoners and prison officers is unacceptable under the Department's code of conduct, and expectations of prisoner behaviour. "The Department must take action so that this matter is recorded on Shepherd's file. "Without it, the teenage victims will not be able to raise this matter at any future parole hearing. Nor can the Department tell the Parole Board about the case. "The Parole Board will not get a true picture of Shepherd's rehabilitation or lack of it. "I know the victims feel angry and betrayed by the Department's arrogant attitude. "If the Government was sincere about victims' rights, the Minister would be ensuring action was taken against Shepherd," says Mr Ryall.

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