September 23, 2016
Corrections time stuff up could cost department
Labour’s corrections spokesperson says mistakes in the way the length of prison terms is calculated could cost the Corrections Department money it needs to do its job properly.
The Supreme Court has found time served should start from when people are originally locked up under arrest, and not from when any subsequent charges are laid.
At least 21 prisoners were released today because of the ruling, and it could have meant thousands of prisoners over the past 13 years could have spent more time inside than was lawful.
Mr Davis says it’s consistent with the complaints he has heard from many prisoners who believed their release date was miscalculated.
"I don’t know how much it's going to cost the taxpayer but I've got concerns any compensation for incorrect imprisonment, unlawful detainment will come out of Corrections' budget and Corrections doesn't need this putea coming out of their budget," he says.
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