Goff released repeat sex offender

Justice Minister Phil Goff must take responsibility for the release of repeat sex offender Barry Ryder, says National Justice Spokesperson Tony Ryall.

“Phil Goff could have stopped Ryder’s release. That is what he said he would do in when he was in Opposition.

“Mr Goff made his reputation in the mid 1990s in a relentless campaign against the release of Barry Ryder. Despite insisting then that this dangerous man should never be released, Mr Goff oversaw Ryder’s release as Minister in 2001.

“Mr Goff has done nothing to pass National’s Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care) 1999 Bill. This Bill would have allowed Ryder to be detained. It would have prevented Ryder’s attack on three Christchurch school boys.

“Phil Goff should explain to the mothers of these three small boys why he let this dangerous individual out.

“National’s Bill was reported back to Parliament in early 2001 but Labour has done nothing to progress it.

“Mr Goff has egg all over his face. He must be judged by the standard he set for Ministers in Opposition and take personal responsibility for this man being given the chance to offend against children,” Mr Ryall said.

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