A Department of Corrections investigation is reported to be underway into allegations four New Plymouth prison guards gave gang members special treatment during their murder trial.
The Taranaki Daily News reported that one guard had quit after an investigation started in May after claims Black Power members Matiu Pahau, 22, Mahana Edmonds, 39, Rangi Rick Brown, 40, and Adrian Fenton, 27, were given preferential treatment during their murder trial in April.
The men were on trial for killing Peri Niwa in New Plymouth on November 15, 2008. Pahau was found guilty of Mr Niwa's murder and the other three were found guilty of his manslaughter. They will be sentenced on August 16.
The newspaper said the department had refused to confirm what the guards were being investigated for, and said it was an employment issue.
However, the newspaper said it understood the guards allowed the men to have unauthorised visitors, allowed them to make telephone calls, delivered food including fish and chips to the prisoners, and let them smoke in unauthorised areas while they were being held in court cells.
Department central assistant regional manager Chris O'Brien-Smith said one guard had resigned, and, while inquiries were complete, a decision on the guards' future with the department had not yet been made.
NZPA