Inmates questioned over teen's prison van death

Liam Ashley. Picture / Michael Craig

Police will today question remand prisoners who sat within metres of Liam Ashley as he was bashed in a brutal assault that claimed his life.

The 17-year-old was being taken to the Auckland Central Remand Prison in Mt Eden when he was attacked in the back of a Chubb security van.

He suffered extensive brain damage and died in hospital the next day after being removed from life support.

It is understood 12 other prisoners were in the van, but only two were in a separate cage with Liam.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cramer said co-operation from the two prisoners in the cage had been "satisfactory" and the others would all be interviewed.

Mr Cramer also expressed concern about the effect on the police case of reports that the main suspect was a gang member with many convictions.

"While I acknowledge that this homicide is a matter of huge public interest, it's important that the justice process is permitted to proceed appropriately," he said.

Although the small number of suspects had created the general belief that an arrest would be made quickly, the investigation could not be hurried.

"I and my team have to collect evidence and, in the eventuality of an arrest, put a robust and watertight case to the court," Mr Cramer said.

As friends and family gathered yesterday to remember Liam, the picture that emerged was of a "cheeky" teenager with a good heart who had veered off the rails.

Sister Downey, 21, said Liam had got into a bit of trouble, but "had a good heart", and friend Kevin Locke said his mate was a bit of a joker.

Another family friend said Liam was "a little cheeky" but a hard worker.

At their Beach Haven home yesterday, Liam's family said he was before the court for taking his mother's car without permission. He was offered bail, but at the hearing his family decided he should experience the serious effects of breaking the law as an adult.

Parents Ian and Lorraine said they had no confidence in New Zealand's youth offender system and wanted him to experience prison after a series of "minor misdemeanours".

"In an attempt to stem any escalation of a more serious nature, they officially charged Liam with the theft of their vehicle," the family said.

The Ashley family yesterday appealed for privacy to grieve and said they would await the outcome of the police investigation for answers to 10 questions arising from Liam's death.

Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor was last night being briefed by senior management from the department.

Corrections yesterday said its internal investigation would be conducted by the Inspector of Corrections, Louise MacDonald, and would be completed by October 20.

The Corrections Association, which represents prison staff, said that under department rules Liam should have been segregated from older prisoners in the van.

Teenagers remanded in custody were regarded as high-risk prisoners vulnerable to attack and self-harm, said national president Beven Hanlon.

He said assaults involving prisoners under escort were "not uncommon", but guards could not do anything about them. "While you're driving along you can hear something in the back, but you can't stop because it could be a set-up for them to jump out and run away," he said.

"You can only stop once you get to a police station or back to the prison."

Residents of the quiet cul-de-sac where Liam lived in a smart and comfortable-looking home at the end of the street were saying little yesterday, in deference to the family tragedy in their midst.

One man at a neighbouring address recalled Liam playing hockey and soccer in the street with other children while growing up.

But he said any other comments would have to come from Liam's parents.


LIAM'S DEATH - 10 QUESTIONS

Why and how was Liam allowed to die in the care of the justice system?

The Department of Corrections would not comment yesterday. The department's inspectorate, which is independent of the prison service, has begun an inquiry.

Who is responsible for his death and what charges will be laid?

Police are conducting a homicide investigation and are interviewing two men who were in the van cage with Liam when he was attacked.

Why was a 17-year-old with no history of serious crime or violence transported unattended, in direct contact with serious offenders?

Corrections would not comment and Chubb referred the Herald to the company's press officer in Australia. She did not return calls last night.

What risk assessment was completed on Liam and the others before they were put in the same van?

No comment from Corrections or Chubb.

What are Corrections' procedures for the transfer of prisoners?

Corrections referred the Herald to its policy and procedures manual, which states: "Prisoners are safely, humanely and securely escorted with correct documentation and according to statutory requirements." Department regulations state that youth and adult prisoners are to be kept apart. "When outside a prison [prisoners under 18 are to] be kept apart from prisoners who are 18 years or older, where practicable."

Are the procedures adequate and were they followed?

The Ashley family hope the police investigation will provide answers, but a family spokesman last night said they had not been contacted by Corrections.

Why is Chubb Security contracted to transfer remand prisoners and not the police?

Remand prisoners are the responsibility of the Department of Corrections, which contracted out prisoner escorts in Auckland to Chubb five years ago. The contract was recently renewed.

Are Chubb's systems, controls, procedures and vehicles adequate?

No comment from Corrections or Chubb.

What monitoring is conducted during transfer to ensure safety of the passengers?

No comment from Corrections or Chubb.

What action will be taken to ensure this cannot happen again?

Corrections said it would not change any of its procedures for moving prisoners until the result of inquiries into Liam's death were known.