Victim 'gives blessing' to early release

The victim of a prisoner with terminal cancer has reportedly given his blessing for the 23-year-old to be released early so he can die at home.

Henry Matafeo is 10 months into a five-year sentence for a violent aggravated robbery, but with a life expectancy of between six and nine months he is likely to die in custody.

His family have been fighting since May to have the wheelchair-bound man released on compassionate grounds.

They have gone public with their plea, saying the process is taking too long and Matafeo's time is running out.

Corrections Minister Paul Swain said yesterday the matter would be referred to the Parole Board by the end of the week.

A decision was expected next week.

Yesterday the Matafeo family found support for their cause in the one man who had reason to fight it, the victim.

Police contacted the man yesterday after Matafeo's story ran in the Herald, said Richard Ghent, an advocate for Matafeo's early release.

Mr Ghent said the victim, who has met Matafeo's mother for a restorative justice conference, then made contact, saying he would support the family's plea for Matafeo to be released early.

The victim was working at the now-demolished Shell Kingsway service station in Papakura when the aggravated robbery happened last July.

A man who also used to work there said he recalled a robbery about a year ago in which a staff member was hit over the head with a pipe and then kicked on the ground. The victim was badly injured.

Mr Ghent said Matafeo was "more of an observer than a participant" in the robbery.

He said Matafeo's illness had got to the stage where he was confined to a wheelchair, even to sleep, so he posed no risk to the community.

Sensible Sentencing Trust Garth McVicar said he did not oppose Matafeo's early release as long as the medical condition was bona fide.

United Future MP Marc Alexander said Matafeo's illness should not make a difference to his sentence.

"Why should consideration be given to someone who showed none to his victim?

"I just don't get it. Justice is justice," Mr Alexander said.

"All of a sudden we are expected to feel sorry for him. I think it's crazy. I feel sorry for him and his family ... but he still committed a crime."

Mr Alexander said Matafeo should not have to suffer but he should not be allowed to return home to his family.

Matafeo is being treated at Auckland City Hospital, where he is under guard. His family have access to him there.