Prisoner found with SIM cards, 'wrench and spanner' during alleged escape

Daniel Luff is serving a life sentence for murder. File photo / NZ Herald

An inmate serving life for murder who was found in a roof hatch at Auckland Prison during an alleged escape is being held under the "tightest possible conditions" and will face internal misconduct charges.

An investigation is ongoing into Daniel Luff's alleged escape attempt last month and he may also face a criminal charge.

The Herald can reveal that Luff, who was jailed for life as a teenager for murdering a police officer, was found in a roof hatch of the prison's medium security wing with a raft of contraband items.

A source close to the prison said Luff had a large number of SIM cards and tools, thought to include a wrench and spanner.

It is understood he also had a key when Corrections staff found him.

Prison director Andy Langley could not comment on the specific allegations against Luff or the investigation.

He said an operational review was ongoing so Corrections was limited in the detail it could provide.

"Staff reviewed this prisoner's security classification to maximum security and relocated him to a maximum security unit," Langley said.

"He is being managed under the tightest possible conditions and is also due to face internal misconduct charges."

Daniel John Luff (right),killed police officer Duncan Taylor. File photo / NZ Herald

Langley would not be drawn on whether Luff had help from anyone else.

Langley said the ceiling hatch Luff was found in did not lead anywhere, and confirmed he was found during a routine muster check by prison guards.

Luff is serving a life sentence with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years for the murder of 39-year-old Detective Constable Duncan Taylor in 2002.

While in prison Luff has become a high-achieving academic scholar, winning a Massey University "Outstanding Achiever's Award" and writing a research paper with Canterbury University academic Greg Newbold.

Luff was expected to complete a psychology BA with honours in prison, and planned to continue his studies and complete a doctorate, then seek an academic career upon his eventual release from prison.

He will be eligible for parole in 2019.