FAMILY DEMANDS ANSWERS OVER USE OF 'TIE-DOWN' BEDS IN PRISONS

The family of a man who died at Paremoremo prison in November last year wants answers from Corrections about the circumstances that led up to his death.

They made the call in a Stuff Circuit investigation into New Zealand prisons.

Stuff Circuit revealed that the Office of the Ombudsman is investigating four cases of the use of tie-down beds in New Zealand prisons.

The beds are used to restrain difficult inmates by the torso, arms and legs, usually to prevent them from self-harm, and under law can only be used under medical advice.

The Chief Ombudsman, Judge Peter Boshier, told Stuff Circuit he’s investigating a case at Paremoremo where an inmate was tied down for 16 hours a day, for weeks on end.

“You’ll get a picture that this is management by probably the least resource intensive means, that is, once the prisoner’s tied down, well they can’t do anything. The problem is the intrusive nature of it on the prisoner and the fact that they are just tied down for long periods”.

“There are two things about this, one, international standards. The other thing is that we’re an integrity agency and we’re responsible for ensuring that New Zealand is seen out there in the best light. This is not a good look”.

The family of Ricky Sellar, who died in November 2015, were appalled to learn he had been subjected to the use of tie-down beds while in Corrections’ custody.

“Disgusting. Why are they using those sorts of tactics in New Zealand? I mean this is New Zealand, for God’s sake”, his father said.

Ends

Stuff Circuit produces video-led investigative journalism for Fairfax. The full episode “The Life and Death of Ricky Sellar” can be viewed at
https://assets.stuff.co.nz/interactives/special-features/private-business-public-failure/

© Scoop Media