Guards admit smuggling contraband into prison

File photo / NZH

A second Auckland prison guard has admitted smuggling contraband into jail for a prisoner who was a former rugby league mate.

Henry Diaz Minisiti pleaded guilty in Auckland District Court today to two charges of taking tobacco into prison and being in possession of a pistol "except for some lawful, proper and sufficient purpose". The firearm was a cut-down .22 bolt action rifle.

In October, Minisiti smuggled the tobacco into prison for serving prisoner Dennis Mauu. The two men had played rugby league together, according to court documents.

Mauu organised for one of his brothers to get a pouch of tobacco and pass it on to Minisiti, who brought it in to the prison on his next shift and delivered it to Mauu, the police summary of facts said.

When questioned, Minisiti admitted delivering the package, and said it was sealed in plastic.

He also admitted bringing in tobacco on an earlier occasion after he was approached by Mauu's brother at a rugby league match.

Minisiti admitted he knew it was an offence to bring contraband in to the prison and that he made no attempt to report the approaches to his manager.

Minisiti was not paid for the deliveries.

Police found the gun at Minisiti's Blockhouse Bay home in December while searching for contraband.

The cut down .22 bolt action rifle was found wrapped in two plastic bags inside a bench seat. Five rounds of .22 rounds were also found in the bags.Minisiti told police he had the gun for protection after receiving threats from inmates at the prison.

The rifle had been cut down before he got, he said and he could not remember who he got it from.

Halo Tavana, 33, pleaded guilty on December 20 to six charges of taking goods into prison for inmates.

The guards were working at Mt Eden and Auckland Central remand prisons.

Tavana will reappear for sentencing on February 25 and Minisiti will be sentenced on March 29.

They have been stood down from their jobs and are the subject of further investigation.

- NZPA