Faulty door lets Rimutaka prisoners walk out of cell

Two inmates at Rimutaka Prison in Upper Hutt were able to leave their shared cell early on Sunday, then allegedly steal items from a guard station.

Department of Corrections chief executive Barry Matthews confirmed the incident.

"The prisoners were away from their cell for less than five minutes. At no time were they able to leave the confines of their unit, let alone reach the perimeter fence."

Mr Matthews would not comment further because an investigation had been launched.

The public had not been in any danger due to the incident, he said.

Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor said he had ordered an investigation. "It appears there was an electrical fault in one cell door housing two prisoners." The reassurances were not enough for New Zealand First corrections spokesman Ron Mark, who queried why the breach had only become public yesterday.

"What is also worrying is that this incident occurred in the high security, segregated HM5 and 6 units, and I am given to understand that the technical failure was further compounded by staff shortages and operational failures."

National Party law and order spokesman Simon Power called for a full review into the Department of Corrections, saying the Sunday morning incident was not an isolated occurrence.

"Late last year there was a rash of escapes and assaults on guards and we also had the incident at Ngawha when prisoners were able to leave their cells and wander around at night and make cups of tea in the staff cafeteria."

- NZPA