A violent gang member was free to kill despite committing crimes while on bail for five consecutive years.

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal today decided to strike off controversial lawyer Barry Hart, who has been mired in legal trouble.

There are strongly mixed views on David Bain's bid for compensation, but the city's MPs say Cabinet - not public opinion - should ultimately decide.

David Bain's greatest supporter, Joe Karam, isn't surprised a confidential report from the Canadian judge looking at a compensation claim concludes he's innocent - and deserves a payout.

The family of Raymond Mullins says the release of one of his teenage killers is like being "kicked in the teeth".

Ewen Macdonald, who was found not guilty of murdering his brother-in-law Scott Guy, has made his first appearance in the Palmerston North District Court on other serious charges, although the details remain suppressed.