Rimutaka Prison becoming a 'political football'

The Corrections Association says there is not a problem with staff breaking the law at Wellington's Rimutaka Prison. File photo / Anthony Phelps

The Corrections Association denies there is a problem with staff breaking the law at Wellington's Rimutaka Prison.

Former guard Johan Clarke has been sentenced to two years and three months in jail after pleading guilty to six corruption charges.

Jeffrey Reid, a former manager at the prison, will be sentenced in a few weeks after pleading guilty to cultivating cannabis and conspiracy to deal drugs.

Association president Beven Hanlon says Rimutaka Prison has become a bit of a political football.

"When something goes wrong, Rimutaka is unfortunately the one that gets targeted because it's right next to where all the media is because Parliament's right there."

Beven Hanlon says other prison staff are disappointed their work only hits the headlines when one or two people break the law.

- Newstalk ZB