Judge reassures grief-stricken parents over custody decision for Liam

The judge who put Liam Ashley into custody yesterday told his parents she would have done the same even if they had tried to keep him out.

Judge Barbara Morris was speaking in the North Shore District Court at what would have been Liam's sentencing had he not been killed by a fellow prisoner while being taken to Mt Eden Prison on August 24.

Judge Morris had denied Liam bail at a hearing earlier on that day.

Liam's lawyer had told her the 17-year-old had nowhere to live and his mother did not want him at home.

The family have since said most of his offending was against his mother and they had wanted him to go into custody because they feared it would escalate and they wanted him to experience a shock.

Judge Morris told Ian and Lorraine Ashley yesterday that she had "scrutinised, analysed and over-analysed" her ruling since Liam died.

"Do not think things would have been different if you had come here and offered a place of residence. On the file, I think he would have been remanded in custody anyway.

"From the court process point of view, all I can do is lament your loss."

Police withdrew the 10 charges against Liam, then Judge Morris closed the court for five minutes as a sign of respect.