A Corrections blunder allowed one of New Zealand's worst child sex offenders to move into a house next to an Auckland primary school.
The paedophile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have entered a nearby rest home and indecently assaulted a 95-year-old woman fivedays later.
Corrections regional manager of community probation, Astrid Kalders, said the man's support group told his probation officer that the school was used only for adult education.
"When the probation officer became aware that children were present at the school, the address was no longer considered suitable and alternative accommodation was actively being sought at the time the alleged offence occurred."
The man, who is in his 60s, has spent more than half his life in prison after a series of attacks on girls. He was released more than 20 years ago but re-offended within days.
Two years ago he was paroled to live near a school and a rest home in the same suburb.
He moved to his latest address last month, with the switch getting Corrections approval.
This address is only a few hundred metres from a second primary school.
The error was made despite a joint police and Corrections appeal to have him recalled to prison over fears he would strike again. The Parole Board rejected their plea, describing his release as "highly successful".
Kalders said the retirement village location was not considered when he moved because all his previous offending was against children.
Once Corrections became aware of the alleged attack on the 95-year-old, the Parole Board was asked to recall the man to prison. The board has granted an interim recall pending a full hearing.
The man has appeared before Auckland District Court charged with indecent assault and breaking into the rest home with intent to commit a crime.
