Prison death: Inmate had another side to him

Anthony Stillwell

The Northland man who died at Paremoremo prison on Sunday had just started a 12-year jail term after a police raid on a rural Kaikohe home found $700,000 worth of P and a fresh batch of the drug being made.

But there was another side to Anthony Stillwell, with the 34-year-old described as a good father, a strong and cheerful man, and a willing helper at the school his children attended.

Acquaintances told the Advocate he was a "nice guy" but had "made bad choices" and become involved in drugs.

He also featured in this newspaper, and many others nationwide, when his youngest son was born on the forecourt of Kaikohe's Z service station during the floods that swept Northland last year.

His then partner had not expected to give birth for another two weeks so the family was not prepared when contractions started at 5.30am on July 14 last year.

Mr Stillwell bundled her into his car and headed for Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa but had to stop for petrol. After hurriedly tanking up he only managed to drive halfway across the forecourt before the baby announced his imminent arrival.

A St John crew took only minutes to arrive but the baby, born a healthy 2950g, wouldn't wait until his mum reached the ambulance. By then the floods had receded just enough for the ambulance to get mother and baby to Kawakawa for a check up.

The couple later split up with the baby's mother moving to Paihia. The woman arrested with Mr Stillwell was understood to be his new partner.

Mr Stillwell was an active parent helper and Rippa Rugby coach at Kaikohe East School where he was well liked by staff. He had also been employed by the school in the past.

He is due to be farewelled with a service at St Anthony's Church today followed by interment at Kaikohe Lawn Cemetery.

A friend wrote on her Facebook page: "You were an awesome dad and parent helper! You always had a smile on your face and were a strong person. My thoughts are with your family, I can't imagine what they're all going through right now. I hope you have found your peace, rest easy!"

Mr Stillwell's death has been referred to the Coroner. There were no suspicious circumstances.

Corrections has launched an investigation but a spokeswoman said the department could not comment until the Coroner's inquiry was complete.

Mr Stillwell was arrested on March 1 at a Mataraua Rd home. Police found 351g of methamphetamine, 492g of the precursor pseudoephedrine, cash, a stolen car and two shotguns. A fresh batch of methamphetamine, or P, was cooking at the time. He was sentenced last week in Whangarei.

He was the second Northlander to die in prison in a month. Charles Liberty Baker, 63, died at Mt Eden awaiting sentencing on sex and violence charges spanning four decades.