Prisoner compo claims loom as bed crisis worsens

National’s Law and Order spokesman, Tony Ryall, says more prisoner compensation claims look likely as the second prison muster crisis in 12 months rages on.

"Labour's incompetence is going to cost taxpayers dearly”.

He is commenting on latest figures supplied to him by the Corrections Department which show that in May, prisoners were held in court and police cells for a total of 5,629 bed-nights. This compared with just 921 bed-nights in February.

“Despite Labour’s assurances after last year’s crisis, these figures show the problem is getting worse.

“And the department told the select committee that they will worsen through till September.

“A second jail crisis in less that eight months shows the total incompetence of this Labour Government.

“They said last year that they had this under control and that there would be no repeat.

“Mainstream New Zealand should be worried by this escalating crisis because it means there will be more prisoner compensation claims,” Mr Ryall says.

“Police continually warn about the dangers caused by holding prisoners in police and court cells. Last year’s crisis saw officers and inmates attacked and prisoner complaints rise.”

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