Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Burton Should Have Been Back Behind Bars Sooner

25 February 2007


Burton Should Have Been Back Behind Bars Sooner - Mark

New Zealand law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says that the report released today by the Independent Police Conduct Authority into the Police handling of the Graeme Burton affair shows lives were put unnecessarily at risk when information that could have sent Burton back to prison was not acted on as soon as it became available.

“It is plain that Police could have taken action when they knew, in November and early December, that Burton was already committing acts of violence and taking methamphetamine, and was clearly in breach of his parole,” said Mr Mark.

“It is disappointing that Police did not fully explore a way to give the Probation Service the evidence they needed for Burton’s recall by way of an affidavit.

“That showed a lack of willingness to discuss other options and work with the Probation Service to find a way to bring this to a conclusion, even though they were aware of the urgency required.

“That is something that needs to be addressed for the sake of future cases before other lives are put at risk.

“The fact that they did not appear to fully understand the relevant section of the Parole Act that would have enabled Burton’s early arrest also gives much cause for concern.

“It is to be hoped that Police have already addressed the administrative failures that meant the warrant was not logged for several days.

“The only positive aspect of the report is in the extraordinary courage of the two front-line general duties officers who put their own lives at risk in order to capture Burton, so bringing to an end his bloody rampage.

“For that they should be commended.”

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.