News Release

For Immediate Release

29 August 2012

Release of offender Stewart Murray Wilson

The Department of Corrections can confirm that Mr Stewart Murray Wilson has been released into the community as directed by the Parole Board.

As his actual release date on 1 September falls on a Saturday Corrections must release him on the Wednesday before, which is today 29 August.

“As Mr Wilson is a high profile offender there is significant public interest in his release, which is why I’ve made this public today. He must now abide by stringent parole conditions set by the Board which will result in his gradual reintegration into the community,” says General Manager of Corrections Services, Brendan Anstiss.

“Given the later than expected approval of resource and building consents for his house on prison land, the Department will temporarily utilise other accommodation options on prison land.”

This location is one of the few places in the country where he has no registered victims, is far away from any urban centres, is not too close to neighbours and yet close enough to Corrections staff who can assist with monitoring his release conditions.

The Department of Corrections requests that the public and news media stay clear of the prison grounds into which he’s being released as their presence will not aid in his reintegration and, as this is private property any unauthorised access may be treated as trespassing.

For security reasons Corrections staff and other support staff should not at any time be identified publicly by the media and there are legal requirements preventing other serving prisoners from being identified.

“I know this is a stressful time for the community and this offender, but the safety of both parties is now priority and the orders of the Parole Board must be followed.

“My staff and I have met with the Mayor, Councillors, stakeholders, iwi, the public and neighbours to explain our plan for this offender. The plan we have developed gives us the best chance of ensuring the community’s safety as well as allowing this offender’s gradual reintegration into the community,” says Mr Anstiss

ENDS

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