Mayor encourages public to seek answers - 10/08/2012

Wanganui’s Mayor Annette Main is facilitating a public meeting on Wednesday, August 15, to enable members of the public to have their concerns and questions answered regarding the release of Stewart Murray Wilson to a house on Whanganui Prison grounds within the next few weeks.

“I have had the opportunity to speak directly with the Corrections staff and the Police and they have answered many of my questions and concerns,” said Mayor Annette Main.

“It is important and right that the public now have the same opportunity to ask their own questions of those who are tasked with managing this man. From the information I have been given I have been able to understand more about the process that took place in selecting the outskirts of Wanganui prison as his location and the unprecedented security and monitoring arrangements that will be put in place for him.

“I was reassured to learn that the GPS monitoring system, while new to our country, has been used with success in the UK for some time. The system will enable Corrections staff to not only monitor his whereabouts at all times but to also enforce exclusion zones where he will not be able to enter, such as the recreational areas in the area near Whanganui Prison. He is also required to be accompanied by two people whenever he leaves his property.

“This meeting will give the public the chance to find out for themselves that this man will not be living a free and easy lifestyle and will not, due to the range of conditions attached to his release, ever be able to be a part of our Wanganui community.

“We in Wanganui are faced with a difficult situation and one that I am not pleased about or would ever welcome. However, we can all ensure that we understand the facts and reality associated with the risks that this man poses to our society. Wanganui is and will remain a fantastic place to live and work.”

The meeting is taking place at 5.30pm on Wednesday, August 15, at Heritage House, St Hill Street. All members of the public are welcome to attend.