Media Statement For immediate release Wednesday, 4 June, 2003

Alexander: Corrections has questions to answer

United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander questioned how the Palmerston North paedophile released from prison today had spent 10 years under the control of the Corrections Department and wasn't treated for his crime, and just how many other such people will be unleashed on the public.

"It's all very well for the Corrections Department to run around saying they're worried that he will reoffend, but they've had a decade to do something about that, and clearly they haven't

"They might well wring their hands now, but there are a lot parents in Palmerston North today who fear the worst for their children," Mr Alexander said.

"Corrections has some real explaining to do for the lack of work it has put into this sad individual."

He said there could now be no question of not naming the man released today.

"There is no privacy issue surrounding this man - there is one issue and one alone: what will best serve the purpose of keeping children safe when he his around.

"Name him, and do it now."

"Unfortunately, there realistically appears to be little doubt that this leech will offend again, be given another sentence and some forgiving nitwit will want to see him as the victim and call for his sentence to be cut. Personally I'd cut something else!"

Ends.

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