Prisoner to be released on anniversary of victim's death

The Parole Board is apologising for scheduling the release of Aaron Taka on the anniversary of his victim's death. File photo / NZ Herald

The Parole Board is apologising for scheduling the release of a prisoner on the anniversary of his victim's death.

Upper Hutt sportsman Steven Stone was stabbed to death during a home invasion in 2007.

Members of his family are outraged that one of the men involved in the robbery, Aaron Taka is to be released next Tuesday, on the fourth anniversary of his death.

The Parole Board says it unreservedly apologises for this serious oversight, but it cannot change the date now as it is bound by legislation.

It is currently developing a system where such victim anniversaries and birthdays are flagged for release date considerations.

The family had also requested Taka not be released into the Wellington area, but the Parole Board cannot say whether or not that will happen.

- Newstalk ZB