Guard's plea: Keep 'evil' Gillies jailed

John Wharemako Gillies. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A prison officer who guarded notorious career criminal John Gillies begged the Department of Corrections not to release him.

Gillies was jailed for 12 years for the 1993 stabbing of Gisborne police constable Nigel Hendrikse with a screwdriver in the neck, chest and thigh.

Granted parole in 2003, he was jailed two years for assaulting two policemen and possessing cocaine and methamphetamine. He is due to be paroled next month, a year earlier than the set date.

In an email sent to the Department of Corrections last night, uncovered by the Hawke's Bay Today, a prison guard said he had known Gillies for 10 years at Auckland Prison and held grave fears for the public's safety.

"Please do not release John Gillies," the email said. "You look in his eyes and he has no soul...in short he is evil and nasty.

"I have known this man for 10 years. He will hurt again. I hope it's not my family and not yours but some family will suffer due to his release. Keep John in prison and away from us, I beg you. He will hurt again."

The parole board yesterday said Gillies had been well-behaved "in more recent times" and was showing signs of maturity.

"Our main concern has been with what is seen as a high risk rating that Mr Gillies has, no doubt contributed to by the fact that he has in the past escaped from custody and committed serious and violent offences," the board said in its decision.

"He turns 40 years of age next month and appears to be focused upon now trying to reintegrate into the community and to have the support of his family."

Gillies was the subject of controversy when it was revealed he had a large "Mongrel Mob Forever" tattoo removed from his face during 15 $300 laser sessions.

He will be released next month to live at an undisclosed address under special conditions, including no alcohol or drugs.

- NZPA