Corrections Minister Matt Robson has out-done himself yet again in coming up with ridiculous ideas about the 'punishment' of criminals, National Justice spokesman Tony Ryall said today.

"Mr Robson has no mandate to experiment with our corrections system in this way. He is showing complete arrogance in ignoring the will of New Zealanders as demonstrated in the Withers Referendum.

"Until Mr Robson demonstrates he's got the message he has no right to experiment and put public safety at risk.

"Mr Robson's latest idea is to only require criminals behind bars at night or on the weekend. This comes on top of his earlier pleas to allow kiddies behind bars, sex in prisons and home detention for rapists and murderers.

"This isn't paying a debt to society, it's getting free rent.

"Every time Mr Robson floats ideas his Government colleagues run a mile. It won't be too long before the Prime Minster or Justice Minister put the kibosh on this one.

"If Mr Robson gets any softer on crims he'll melt," Mr Ryall said.

Ends

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