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Dead man's mum critical of system

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Dead man's mum critical of system

3News NZ

Dean Andrew Clark was found dead in his Balmoral flat, five days after offering his alleged murderer a place to live (file)

Dean Andrew Clark was found dead in his Balmoral flat, five days after offering his alleged murderer a place to live (file)

The mother of an Auckland man allegedly killed by a mentally ill flatmate says the mental health system has "absolutely failed" her and her son.

Dean Clark, 36, was killed at his home in the suburb of Balmoral on Tuesday night.

His 38-year-old flatmate has been charged with murder and been granted interim name suppression.

He was remanded to a psychiatric hospital for assessments on whether he is fit to stand trial.

Mr Clark's mother, Adrienne Clark, told the Herald on Sunday the mental health system has let her down.

Her son had known his accused killer for 10 years but the man only moved in with Mr Clark a week before his death.

"The mental health system has absolutely failed. The laws need to change and become more stringent but this is not the time to talk about that," she said.

Mrs Clark said her son had a new partner and was training for a new job, and had a lot to look forward to.

In a statement, Auckland District Health Board says it is aware of a serious incident "involving a person known to our mental health services" and it would carry out an investigation.

The accused man will reappear in Auckland District Court in mid-July.

NZN

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Comments

1/07/2012 10:39:05 a.m.

S wrote:

Where are the parents of this mentally ill man and what responsibility have they taken for their own son? Why have they not stepped up to the plate and took responsibility for their son along with Mental Health? The Govt and Community cannot always be pointed fingers at for other peoples children/families. Sincere condolences goes to the family of the victim of this horrific crime-their son Dean sounded like a loving caring person and did not deserve to die in a situation like this. Changes need to be made for the safety of the public from mentally unwell people who could put the public at risk.