The senior Corrections officer became emotional and had to pause in his evidence as he was questioned about the protocol today.
"It's ... It's my belief that if he had [reported the threats], we wouldn't be here today and I'm sure that if he had reported that to any senior management or senior officer, they would not have allowed Jason to be part of that opening."
Earlier, the inquest heard from former prison officer Roger Hinton who said on May 15 last year Latu Kepu told him: "When I get out of here, I'm going to punch him over".
He told the court that he heard Kepu refer to Mr Palmer as "that Yankee c***".
Mr Hinton said he told Mr Palmer of the threats as the pair ate lunch in the guard house but did not follow procedure and record the threats on Kepu's file.
The attack happened later that day.
Kepu was convicted of the manslaughter and sentenced to six years four months in jail for the attack, on top of the existing two years eight month term he was already serving.
The inquest is due to finish later today.
- APNZ