Victim's family angry murderer allowed out for love

The family of a Christchurch woman, stabbed to death in a frenzied attack by her brother-in-law and ex-lover 11 years ago, is angry that her murderer is being granted parole to pursue a new relationship.

Graham John Wright was sentenced to life imprisonment a decade ago for murdering his sister-in-law, Donna Wright, by stabbing her 34 times, in her South New Brighton home on November 21, 1994.

He was refused parole in September last year because the parole board did not think he was safe to be released, considering his "original, appalling offences".

However, it has recommended temporary releases so he can develop his new relationship with a woman prison visitor "in a more natural surrounding".

Mrs Wright's older sister, Wendy Finch, told the Christchurch Press the family was shocked to hear of the arrangement as she had been told in a phone call that he had been refused parole.

"If he is not fit for release, why is he being allowed out for these visits?

"Is it shagging rights? He still hasn't said sorry for what he has done."

Ms Finch said she was upset that while Wright had been able to re-train in prison and had regular sessions with a psychologist, the family had struggled to get ongoing psychological help for her nephew, now 22, and his sister, 18.

Mrs Wright's body was found by her 11-year-old son, who climbed through an open toilet window after arriving home from school to a locked front door.

However, ACC will not fund trauma counselling because the children did not witness the actual crime.

Ms Finch had told the parole board she had grave doubts that Wright had been rehabilitated and feared for the public's safety if he were released.

Wright's parole bid was supported by his brother and new partner.

When the board rang with its decision, she was relieved Wright had been refused parole.

It was not until the written decision arrived that she learned he would be allowed out to visit his partner.

"To me they are releasing him. I don't understand it," she said.

"We continue to suffer because of his actions. Not a day goes by that we don't think of Donna and what we have lost."

A parole board spokesman said the board was aware of the family's distress, but temporary releases were about reintegrating an offender into the community.

Although the board made recommendations, the timing of temporary releases was decided by the Corrections Department.

- NZPA