By SCOTT INGLIS
A teenage inmate who died in a windowless high-security Mt Eden Prison cell was caught with plans of the jail and had thrown boiling water over a guard, the Herald understands.
Shannon Bevan Leonard, aged 19, who was serving time for burglary, was found dead in his cell on Sunday morning, four days before he was to be sentenced for aggravated bank robbery.
Further details of his offending emerged yesterday, perhaps explaining why he was in a secure cell.
Two barristers, prison reform campaigner Peter Williams, QC, and John Robertson, were outraged at Leonard's cell conditions after seeing them on Monday.
The cell, where he spent 18 hours a day, was windowless, had graffiti-covered paint peeling off walls, an iron bed, a metal chair bolted to the floor and a plastic, white bucket.
His family have also demanded answers, saying his death was out of character.
The Corrections Department yesterday refused to comment, citing privacy.
Dr Robertson represented Leonard when he was jailed in July for burglary and had told the Herald a judge had recommended him for home detention. But sources yesterday revealed that Leonard was considered a security risk after being caught with layout plans to the prison. He also had three convictions for escaping custody.
Last month, he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure after throwing a cup of boiling water over a prison guard and had six months added to his burglary sentence of about a year.
Leonard was due in the Manukau District Court today for sentencing after admitting a role in a knifepoint South Auckland bank robbery in July. He was part of a gang which struck the Manurewa ANZ in Great South Rd on July 13 at 1.45 pm.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Climate costs will hit average household by $783 a year, Treasury officials think tax or benefit changes might help
Treasury officials have warned climate change will hit household budgets.