Investigation into prison van death delayed

Liam Ashley died in August on his way to Mt Eden prison.

An investigation into the slaying of North Shore teenager Liam Ashley nearly two months ago has been delayed, the Corrections Department says.

The 17-year-old died a day after being attacked in the back of a security van transporting him and other prisoners from North Shore District Court to prison in Mt Eden on August 24.

The department blamed the delay on the amount of evidence to be collected and the complexity of the case.

Corrections chief executive Barry Matthews said today the department was looking at all the circumstances surrounding the death and claimed good progress was being made.

"However, its completion has been delayed due to the complexity of the issues to be addressed and the amount of evidence that the investigator must collate and consider," he said.

Mr Matthews said once the report was complete more time would be needed to consider any recommendations.

"The police and the coroner will then determine when the report can be made publicly available, as the matter is subject to court proceedings," he said.

A 25-year-old Onehunga man was charged with murdering Ashley soon after his death. He was granted name suppression and remanded in custody following a court appearance last month.

The incident raised questions in Parliament as to why a 17-year-old was allowed to travel in confinement with an adult prisoner.

- NZPA