Editorial: If not here then where?

It is slightly disconcerting watching the Department of Corrections troll about for a new home for the "Beast of Blenheim"

Disconcerting because, in a worst case scenario, would they place him here in Northland?

Corrections had originally wanted 65-year-old Wilson, dubbed "the Beast of Blenheim" for his sexual offending, rehoused in the Whanganui Prison grounds. Putting him there would presumably be a transitional move before he was released into the community.

The move prompted what a Victoria University professor called "moral panic".

Moral panic or not, Corrections is now looking elsewhere, with a key factor being a region where the Beast's victims do not reside.

That may mean Northland is on the radar. Surely not, we already have a track record of nonsensical prisoner placement, just ask any Lake Ora Rd resident in Kamo. Arthur Alexander Gray, 51, was released to live in a portable cabin in a paddock in Lake Ora Rd, in Kamo West.

Gray had served nine years for attempting to murder a backpacker in Nelson in 2003. He had attacked the backpacker 11 days after being released on parole, having served time for aggravated robbery. Gray also killed a fellow inmate while inside but was found not guilty of murder on grounds of self-defence. It appears Gray is living quietly, after our (quite justified, I believe) bout of moral panic.

We do not need another attack. Northlanders are a friendly, welcoming people. But we do not want the Beast of Blenheim here, thanks.