Simon Power
National Party Law & Order Spokesman

8 June 2006

Dangerous prisoner shifted to prison ‘motel’

The Corrections Minister must explain why a dangerous criminal is being kept in a chalet outside the main perimeter fence at Hawke’s Bay Prison, says National’s Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power.

He is commenting on a report that Warren Te Hei, who is the subject of a rare order preventing him from being released from jail early, has been put into a self-care unit that usually houses inmates nearing the end of their sentences.

“This guy has a history of violent offending, is serving time for attempted murder and aggravated robbery, and was once regarded as so dangerous that he was held in the maximum-security wing at Paremoremo.

“He is not due to be released till 2012, and is held under a special detention order, yet they put him in motel-like accommodation, with a TV and tennis and basketball courts, and with only a 1.8-metre fence stopping him wandering off into the community.

“Victims will be horrified to learn that he was one of four who were paid a total of $325,000 compensation in 2000 for alleged torture, and who is seeking further compensation for allegedly being kept in solitary confinement after stabbing a fellow inmate in 1997.

“He got a further 10 years for that and is put in something approaching a motel in the Hawke’s Bay countryside, and could have a nice little nest egg when he gets out.

“What concerns me is that Corrections seem content with his treatment – or perhaps they are afraid of offending him again in case he seeks more compo.

“If this is an example of how tough this Labour Government is on crime then we have a very big problem,” says Mr Power.

ENDS

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