By LOUISA CLEAVE
The probation service has rejected claims that Phillip Edwards was not properly monitored after his release from prison. Eleven days later, he killed celebrity interior designer David McNee.
Edwards, 24, was arrested twice between arriving in Auckland on July 9 last year, after his release from prison in Hawkes Bay, and killing Mr McNee on July 20. Edwards had served the required half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting a female, burglary, failing to answer bail, unlawfully being in a building, threatening behaviour, theft from a car and inhaling a mind-altering substance.
On his return to Auckland, Edwards was charged with fighting in a public place and theft. He was convicted and discharged on one count and on the other charge was ordered to come before the court if he reoffended.
Police confirmed that Edwards regularly reported to his probation officer when he returned to Auckland. But it was not clear if he was supposed to be living with an aunt in Mt Albert as part of his probation.
Edwards told police after Mr McNee's killing that he was supposed to be living with the aunt "officially" but instead slept under bridges, in cemeteries and inside cyber cafes.
The probation service would not say what conditions had been imposed on Edwards.
Katrina Casey, the general manager of probation and offender services, said Edwards was not on parole and therefore not eligible to be returned to prison.
"The Community Probation Service is responsible for monitoring offenders released with conditions, and met all of its responsibilities with regard to this offender."
Edwards was working as a male prostitute when Mr McNee picked him up on Karangahape Rd last July. They returned to the interior designer's home, where Edwards said he lost control and attacked Mr McNee following a sexual encounter.
Detective Senior Sergeant Lance Burdett, who headed the inquiry, said police accepted the manslaughter verdict. A jury deliberated for nearly 30 hours this week before finding Edwards not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
Mr McNee's family said yesterday that they wished to be left alone to grieve in their own way.
A spokesman said they were glad the jury was able to reach a verdict as they "did not fancy the prospect of a further trial".
A family representative will comment when Edwards is sentenced next month.
The spokesman said the family "miss and still mourn for the David that they knew".
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