By Emma Jolliff
The beast of Blenheim has launched a legal challenge to his strict release conditions.
Stewart Murray Wilson's lawyer says the conditions exceed the Parole Board's powers and are not justified.
And local Whanganui councillor Michael Laws has called a public meeting, saying Whanganui's being treated like a “dumping ground for ferals”.
Serial sex offender Wilson has already opposed his extended supervision order at a Christchurch High Court hearing when he appeared by video link.
Now his lawyer Andrew McKenzie has been back to challenge the conditions of his parole.
“The principal issues under appeal are the requirements to live on Whanganui prison, he's prevented from having visitors, he's prevented from going elsewhere or using a cell phone so he's essentially under house arrest.”
Wilson had hoped to tour the country in a campervan on his release, not live in an ex-state house that's yet to be moved onto Whanganui prison grounds.
“Wilson says that the conditions are beyond the power of the parole board, that the conditions aren't justified,” Mr McKenzie says.
Mr Laws has this message for corrections.
“We will not be the dumping ground for your refuse and for your ferals.”
He and fellow councillor Ray Stevens are calling a public meeting on Sunday to rally opposition to the decision.
“Sure they'll monitor him for a while but at the end of the day simple human error, simple criminal cunning, there's a tragedy waiting to happen,” Mr Laws says.
Mr Laws fears if Wilson comes to Whanganui, it will set a precedent.
“We then become the dumping ground for all such individuals in the future.”
And he says Wilson himself may be at risk.
“It would be wrong but there is no question that certain individuals may feel a more direct action is appropriate.”
A judicial review hearing will be held in 10 days time, but a full hearing may not happen before Wilson’s parole starts on August 29.
3 News