Watson's wife stands by her man despite sexual claims

Scott (left) and Coral Watson

Coral Watson says she is standing by her husband, convicted double murderer Scott Watson, after he allegedly sent photographs of his genitals to a teenage girl's cellphone.

Watson is being investigated by the Corrections Department after the claims about the obscene photos were detailed in an anonymous letter received by the department this week. Police are also investigating.

It is alleged that Watson, an inmate at Christchurch Men's Prison, began talking to the girl via an internet chat room and text messages on her cellphone, and the messages became sexual in nature.

He allegedly also sent pictures of his penis to the girl.

Last year, Watson was disciplined after a woman complained of receiving indecent photographs and suggestive text messages sent from him in prison by cellphone.

He is serving a jail sentence of at least 17 years for the murder of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, who vanished in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year's Day, 1998.

Spoken to by the Herald yesterday, Coral Watson said she was still standing by her husband, but did not know anything about the latest allegations.

She confirmed Watson had been seeing another woman while in prison, but she did not want to comment further.

"My personal life is personal, and I want it to stay that way."

In an interview with the Herald last month, Coral Watson said her husband wanted to adopt her four children, aged 11 to 16.

"I know the person he is. He's soft-spoken, he's very caring, very loving ... he's wanting to know everything the kids are up to. He has got such a good rapport with children."

Corrections acting southern region manager Paul Rushton said prison staff had searched Watson's cell and had used new cellphone detection technology but had not located a cellphone in his possession.

"This conduct, if true, is totally unacceptable and, as well as bringing it to our attention, we are very pleased to hear the mother is complaining to the police," Mr Rushton said.

"We are actively investigating this complaint and have contacted the police to see what details have been provided to them."

Mr Rushton said pictures provided with the anonymous letter did not identify any particular prisoners, and in fact it has been confirmed that some of the pictures provided could not have been taken at Christchurch Prison.

"It appears the complainant may have more information that would be valuable in assisting with these allegations. As she has not identified herself, we are unable to approach her for that information. We would welcome contact so that any additional information can be passed to us."