4 Jun 2015

Govt inquiry into Smith's escape extended

2:04 pm on 4 June 2015

The government inquiry into the escape from custody of the convicted murderer and paedophile Phillip John Smith has been extended by two months.

Phillip Smith

Phillip John Smith Photo: RNZ / Murielle Baker

Smith was given a life sentence in 1996 for murdering the father of a boy whom he had been sexually abusing.

He fled the country last November while on a three-day release from Spring Hill Prison in Waikato, flying to Chile and then Brazil before being recaptured.

State Services Minister Paula Bennett said John Priestly, who is heading the inquiry, has asked for two more months to ensure a thorough review.

The deadline for the report is now 25 August.

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