Stewart Murray Wilson denied bail

Stewart Murray Wilson appeared in Whanganui District Court today. Photo / Rae Cliffe

Serial sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson will return to prison until at least May 2 after being denied bail this morning.

Wilson denied breaching his parole conditions when he appeared before Judge David Cameron in the Whanganui District Court. The matter has been set down for a defended hearing.

He is alleged to have breached his parole on February 18 by "phoning a person he had been directed not to associate with" and was recalled to prison yesterday by the Parole Board.

It is believed he is being held at Whanganui Prison, though the Department of Corrections will not confirm it.

A status hearing on his case will be held on May 2 at Wanganui. Wilson does not have to appear and it is likely his lawyer Andrew McKenzie will contribute via video conference.

A defended hearing on the alleged parole breach will be held in the Whanganui District Court on May 13.

Wilson tried to obscure his face in the dock but was ordered to turn around by the judge so he could be photographed by media.