Nemesis
07-15-2004, 08:40 PM
http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10143710%255E13762,00.html
From correspondents in Wellington
July 15, 2004
SOME New Zealand convicts were pleading to return to prison rather than serve out their sentences at home, claiming life on the outside was too tough, officials said today.
New Zealand's Corrections Department confirmed 13 inmates on home detention had asked to be locked up in prison after finding they could not cope with their family situation.
Home detention is an alternative to prison granted to convicted criminals regarded as not posing a danger to their family or community.
It allows them to live at home and continue work under close scrutiny from prison authorities.
Heather Mackie, the Corrections policy and planning manager, said "a breakdown in accommodation arrangements" was the most common reason given by convicts angling to get back in their cells.
Opposition National Party justice spokesman Tony Ryall said the fact 13 detainees had gone back to prison to complete their sentences showed that they found prison a "soft option". Mr Ryall's party is on a drive promoting tougher law and order measures.
Howard League for Penal Reform president Peter Williams said the prison environment was very strict and criminals could find it "daunting" being left to fend for themselves once back in society.
There was no immediate comment from Corrections Minister Paul Swain.
At April 1 this year, the latest figure available, 536 convicted people were on home detention in New Zealand. More than 6600 people are serving time behind bars in New Zealand prisons.
The Associated Press
From correspondents in Wellington
July 15, 2004
SOME New Zealand convicts were pleading to return to prison rather than serve out their sentences at home, claiming life on the outside was too tough, officials said today.
New Zealand's Corrections Department confirmed 13 inmates on home detention had asked to be locked up in prison after finding they could not cope with their family situation.
Home detention is an alternative to prison granted to convicted criminals regarded as not posing a danger to their family or community.
It allows them to live at home and continue work under close scrutiny from prison authorities.
Heather Mackie, the Corrections policy and planning manager, said "a breakdown in accommodation arrangements" was the most common reason given by convicts angling to get back in their cells.
Opposition National Party justice spokesman Tony Ryall said the fact 13 detainees had gone back to prison to complete their sentences showed that they found prison a "soft option". Mr Ryall's party is on a drive promoting tougher law and order measures.
Howard League for Penal Reform president Peter Williams said the prison environment was very strict and criminals could find it "daunting" being left to fend for themselves once back in society.
There was no immediate comment from Corrections Minister Paul Swain.
At April 1 this year, the latest figure available, 536 convicted people were on home detention in New Zealand. More than 6600 people are serving time behind bars in New Zealand prisons.
The Associated Press