Prisoner denies text obscenities

The Corrections Department says it has found no evidence to prove that an inmate used a cellphone to send obscene text messages to female real estate agents.

The Christchurch Prison inmate has been accused of writing to ask the agents to send property details to his "private bag" address and then sending the texts from his cellphone.

National Party law and order spokesman Simon Power released details of an email sent to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand by a real estate agency, asking it to inform female salespeople.

It said the inmate, Garrie Bainbridge, was writing to the women "making inquiries about properties for sale on the web". He asked for information to be sent to him at Private Bag 4726, Christchurch. "This is Christchurch Prison," the email said. Texts "which are of an obscene nature" were then sent to the women.

Prisoners are not allowed cellphones, but last year a woman complained of receiving indecent photographs and suggestive text messages via a mobile from convicted double murderer Scott Watson.

In a statement released yesterday, the Corrections Department said it had been contacted by one agent about the allegation.

"This prisoner categorically denies having a cellphone or using a cellphone to text messages," said Public Prisons Service acting southern regional manager Paul Rushton.

"The department can confirm that regular searches of his cell have been carried out, and no cellphone has ever been located. Corrections also asked the complainant for evidence on which to base an investigation. Unfortunately no further information has been forthcoming."

Mr Power asked: "If the complaint has been received, and Corrections are confirming it, why is it that no cellphone has been found?"

Institute president Howard Morley said he was sure the inmate sent the agents messages.

Mr Rushton said Corrections had given cellphone detection priority. Last year 1047 cellphones, SIM cards or chargers were found and removed.