Outrage as gangster slips from home detention

Sean Patrick Broderick was wearing an anklet which set off an alarm when he left his home. File picture

The justice system should explain why a dangerous career criminal who scarpered from home detention last week was not in jail, United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander said today.

Sean Patrick Broderick, 37, walked out of a Hamilton house last Saturday and was picked up by two men in a white ute. His detention anklet was attached to his leg.

A Hamilton police spokeswoman told NZPA today Broderick was still at large.

Mr Alexander said in a statement the case showed the "sheer stupidity" of the home detention system.

"How does a thug get home detention? It's a very simple question, but there are judges and justice officials who need to start answering for this rubbish.

"There is only one place for violent criminals and those who carry a genuine threat of violence and that is behind bars," he said.

"This case demonstrates exactly the level of protection afforded to the public by a lovely little ankle bracelet."

Community probation service central regional manager Heather Mackie said today the ankle bracelets acted as alarms.

"The system works at the moment as an alarm system. It means that we know if someone is in a particular place that they are confined to... and it alarms if they leave that place."

Ms Mackie told National Radio the probation service and police were informed quickly when the alarm was activated and started looking for the prisoner.

She said the service was about to test a Global Positioning System (GPS), which might offer a "better level of security".

Last week police said Broderick was classed as a "high-risk" offender.

They said he had gang affiliations and a long criminal record including aggravated robbery, kidnapping, escaping and assault.

Broderick was released from prison on home detention on December 6.

He was due to be released in March, but there is now an immediate recall warrant for his arrest.

Corrections Minister Paul Swain wants to know why Broderick could flee and still be on the run a week later.

A spokesman for Mr Swain said today he had asked for a report on the security bracelet system monitoring people on home detention.

The spokesman said when Broderick was caught, he would face further charges.

Home detention is described by the Parole Board as a bridge between prison and release.

Parole Board spokesman Steve Rendle said today in many cases there was a better chance of rehabilitation if the offender was placed on home detention and able to access education courses not available in prison.

"The other option was to release Broderick into the community at the end of his sentence in November without any parole conditions."

Broderick has a history of escape and is described by police as a dangerous serial offender who should not be approached.

He is also suffering from a medical condition and needs to take regular medication. He did not take that with him when he left the house.

Anyone with information about Broderick should contact Hamilton police on 07 8586200.

- NZPA