Sex offender dying of cancer to get compassionate release

A sex offender dying of throat cancer is being released from prison on compassionate grounds.

The man, who has name suppression, was sentenced for 18 years imprisonment for what the Parole Board describes as "appalling offending of a sexual nature".

The offender's health has deteriorated badly over in the past few weeks. He is no longer able to get in or out of bed by himself, needs full assistance for hygiene matters and is not able to communicate properly.

Senior police officers do not believe the man, who has always denied the crime, is manipulating the system, and nursing staff say the care which the offender needs is well beyond a primary health capability.

- NEWSTALK ZB