Back off released killer, media told

A prisoners' support group is calling on the media to back off paroled convicted killer Bailey Junior Kurariki.

The 19-year-old was released from prison on parole earlier this month after serving nearly seven years for the manslaughter of pizza delivery man Michael Choy.

Kurariki was only 12 and became the country's youngest convicted killer when a jury found him guilty of the manslaughter death of Mr Choy in September 2001.

Prison Fellowship national director Kim Workman said today the intense media coverage of Kurariki's trial and his release on parole could affect his chances of making a good integration back into society.

He said Kurariki was desperate to lead a normal life and work.

"There comes a point at which people can justifiably seek information about an offender and that should be publicly available and the offender should be accountable.

"But there also comes a point where we would say where it turns from being in the public interest to being victimisation."

He said Kurariki was no longer comfortable about going outside for fear of being photographed.

Mr Workman said if a released prisoner got "social support" to get back into society, the chance of further offending was reduced by 30 to 40 per cent in the first 12 months.

"Most people in that position desperately want to be accepted back into the family, want to be left alone to make some contribution to the economy, want a job and want to live a normal life.

"If the media persist in denying them that opportunity and they are aware of the consequences of what they are doing then that is an issue."

- NZPA