Turia: 'Beast' move causing extreme concern

Stewart Murray Wilson, the man dubbed The Beast of Blenheim. Photo / File

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says the community are extremely concerned over news serial sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson will become their neighbour when he is released from prison next month.

Mrs Turia confirmed Wilson will live on her street, becoming her neighbour if the move goes ahead.

Wilson has been paroled to a house in Kaitoke, after the Department of Corrections decided to re-house Wilson - dubbed the "Beast Of Blenheim" - near Wanganui.

It is believed the Department of Corrections did not have many options on where to house Wilson due to his victims living in many regions in New Zealand.

Minister for the Courts Chester Borrows said corrections had done all it could to protect people.

"I think the corrections department has done all they can to nail down any possible risk."

"The placement in Wanganui has been completely calculated because of the spread of his victims across the country and because of the ability of corrections' resources to be able to manage him there."

"I don't think corrections have decided on Wanganui for the hell of it."

He said he would meet with corrections in Wanganui tomorrow night.

"We have to bear in mind that the despicable offenders that come from our community are paroled somewhere else - sooner or later we will get someone else's despicable offender living in our community and actually, this is on prison grounds 10km out of Wanganui with a GPS-capable anklet being monitored by two minders on a fairly constant basis."

Mrs Turia said the community had not been properly consulted.

"This issue is not about me, it's really about how all the residents of Wanganui will feel about having somebody who has never ever admitted the wrong that he has done, despite 42 different women being involved."

"I think that's appalling in itself and I believe that's why the community do feel seriously at risk," she said.

"This issue is really about poor communication when we're releasing inmates of his nature back into the community."