Monday, 6 November 2000, 11:56 am Press Release: Green Party
Nov 5, 2000
Secret Cell-Mate Witness Schemes Sure To
Pose Problems
News that a prison inmate witness had
retracted evidence against Scott Watson showed the danger of
using secret cell-mate witnesses, Green Party Police
Spokesperson Keith Locke MP said today.
"These witnesses
often have something to gain personally from helping the
police convict their former cell-mates. Early parole is the
most obvious thing," Mr Locke said.
"Controversy has
surrounded the use of such witnesses in a string of trials,
including those against Ross Appelgren, David Tamihere,
Neville Walker and Renee Chignell.
"The police should be
discouraged from using such doubtful testimony, which only
puts the justice system into disrepute.
"The Greens
support a thorough investigation into the perjury admitted
by the secret witness in the Watson trial."
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