(Content warning)
Chrislynchmedia.com can reveal a convicted Paedophile, who was sentenced to 18-and-a-half years in prison for decades of sexual abuse against young girls, got married inside Rolleston Prison last week.
The man was found guilty last year to charges including rape, sexual violation, and indecent assault of girls aged between four and 13.
His offending began in the late 1970s and continued until 2021.
A court heard how the offender was a manipulative predator who preyed on young girls for more than four decades. He made some of his victims watch pornography before raping them.
Corrections confirmed to Chris Lynch Media, the wedding ceremony took place inside Rolleston Prison on October 7.
Deputy Commissioner Men’s Prison (Acting) Jo Harrex said weddings are not restricted in prisons and prisoners who wish to marry may do so, provided there is no threat to safety, security, or the good order of the facility.
“There was no disruption to the daily activities of the prison and the ceremony did not affect staffing requirements or the standard safe and secure operation of the site,” Harrex said.
Approval for a prisoner to marry rests with the Deputy Commissioner Custodial Services, supported by information from the prison’s General Manager, who determines whether the ceremony could pose a threat to security or order.
The intended spouse must provide written verification of their intention to marry the prisoner, and the General Manager must confirm the prisoner is legally entitled and mentally capable of doing so.
The Principal Corrections Officer of the prisoner’s unit conducts an interview, gathers required information, and completes the necessary forms for a wedding or civil union service.
For approved ceremonies, the General Manager decides who may attend, with a maximum of 12 guests allowed. Visitors must be approved through the standard process, and all expenses are paid by the prisoner, their partner, families, or another approved source.
New Zealand prisons do not allow conjugal visits.
Corrections said information about a prisoner’s marriage is not shared with registered victims, as it is not covered by the Victims Rights Act 2002.
