A Christchurch facility that manages high-risk offenders is reassuring the public that safety is its priority after one of its residents was arrested for allegedly approaching schoolgirls, while serving a preventive detention sentence for sexual violence

53-year-old Leo Darin Goodwin appeared at the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody.

He allegedly approached schoolgirls for inappropriate favours in exchange for money, prompting police to send letters to 11 schools in Merivale and St Albans as part of their inquiries.

Police issued a media statement on Sunday, 20 days after first receiving reports of the man approaching female students.

Goodwin has multiple convictions for violence and rape against women.

Salisbury Street Foundation Chief Executive Dan Pallister-Coward told chrislynchmedia.com: “We want to reassure people that the safety of the wider community, our staff and residents is our priority.

“We don’t comment on individual residents, and as the matter is before the courts, we won’t be making public statements. For safety reasons, we also don’t discuss security measures. For a point of correction, we are a reintegration service not a rehabilitation service.”

Meanwhile, a Christchurch worker has raised concerns about individuals from Salisbury House being placed at her workplace through a “trust arrangement” without staff being informed or consulted.

Chris Lynch Media has agreed not to identify the worker or her employer. She said: “These individuals have included serious long-term offenders, including convicted sexual offenders.”

“There’s been several times where known offenders have been left working unsupervised with women and young staff. On multiple occasions, high-risk ex-criminals have been placed in our work environment.

“Staff were not told of their backgrounds, nor were any safety protocols put in place. In one case, a convicted rapist was sent to site and worked alongside female staff members in isolation.

“Staff have felt unable to speak up about this due to fear of repercussions.

“My understanding is that the Department of Corrections and Parole only became aware months later that this offender, plus another guy, were working alongside young girls and boys.”

The worker said: “At that point, the individuals were removed. The fact that this was allowed to continue for so long represents a serious breach of safety and trust.

“In the past, staff have been told that hidden cameras exist around the property ‘for our safety’. This in itself is a breach of privacy, and does not address the real safety issues, such as staff having to walk to their cars alone at the end of the day without protection or supervision.

“Staff, including women and under-18s, have been left alone with high-risk men without any procedures in place to ensure their safety, either during work hours or when leaving the site.”

Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd told chrislynchmedia.com “when reports of a concerning nature are made, it’s important for police to make enquiries ahead of any public appeals.

“This work includes speaking with victims, establishing if there is a wider pattern of behaviour, and making all efforts to identify the suspect; depending on the circumstances, going public can hinder the investigation, including the efforts to locate people of interest.”

Todd said “police may approach schools or other organisations in order to open further lines of enquiry, but this, and making appeals to the wider public, is on a case-by-case basis.”

“The most important thing is for parents to have conversations with their children and reinforce that if they feel concerned for themselves or someone else’s safety to call 111 immediately. This includes situations where a person is acting threateningly or making inappropriate sexual remarks.”

An ongoing practice at police, is sharing any lessons that are learned during the course of duties. In this case, no review is planned.” Todd said.