Phillip Smith’s Victims Forgotten
Phillip Smith’s Victims Forgotten
The rights of the victims of
murderer Phillip John Smith are being completely overlooked,
says New Zealand First.
“Victims of Smith were not even informed when he was on the run – yet the Chief Custodial Officer’s review of the Failure to Return from Temporary Release of Phillip John Smith does not include any recommendation to review or update the Victim Notification Register which clearly failed,” says Corrections Spokesperson Mahesh Bindra.
“The recommendation to also create a Temporary Release Advisory Panel is a good one, but there is no representation from victims on it.
“The victims were not informed of Smith’s temporary release and this is despite them being listed on the Victim Notification Register.
“Smith’s victims were also not informed that he had escaped his temporary release and had fled New Zealand. This is appalling.
“Corrections has rightly apologised to the victims, however, apologies are just words when there is no action to back them up.
“The Victim Notification Register system needs to be reviewed and victims must be represented on the Temporary Release Advisory Panel.
“It’s time the Minister of Corrections Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga showed respect to the victims of crime in New Zealand and took action to ensure they are protected,” says Mr Bindra.
ENDS