The project manager for a campaign formed to examine New Zealand's justice system says the country's youngest killer needs to be given a break.
Bailey Junior Kurariki was jailed for manslaughter in 2001 for his part in beating Auckland pizza delivery man Michael Choy to death with abaseball bat. He was 12 at the time.
He is now 18, and due for release in September.
This month, it was revealed he had been released from prison to attend a Maori rehabilitation course, but was recalled once the Department of Corrections realised young children would be present.
The course would have been ideal for Kurariki, Kim Workman, project leader for the Rethinking Crime and Punishment Campaign, said.
The campaign is a joint venture between the Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship New Zealand.
Mr Workman said Kurariki needed the opportunity to become a useful and productive citizen.
"Every time the community or the media publicly highlights his offending, or criticises decisions about his ongoing rehabilitation and re-integration, it will erode his determination to change," Mr Workman said.
"We must continue to support the victims in this case. But we must also make certain that our actions don't create further victims."
Mr Workman said the Mau Rakau programme on Mokoia Island had changed the lives of thousands of young people in a positive way.
"The programme is ideal for Bailey, who I understand is making very good progress," he said.
About 100 people, ranging in age from 10 to 70, attended the course.
