16 Dec 2011

Convicted killer again denied parole

12:00 pm on 16 December 2011

Convicted murderer Raymond Wahia Ratima, who killed seven members of his own family almost 20 years ago, has again been denied parole.

In Masterton in 1992, Ratima killed his three sons, sister-in-law, her partner and their child, and also their unborn child, as well as attempting to murder his father-in-law.

The Parole Board says time has not diminished the tremendous sense of loss suffered by Ratima's remaining victim - his wife and the families of the victims.

The board says their message is consistent and clear in that they oppose his release.

They also fear that if released he will carry out threats made at the time of sentencing and that a number of lives would be at risk.

The board says Ratima has expressed deep remorse.