The family's initial request that Bretherton be allowed to visit his father in hospital before he died was declined.
While it understandably upset the family, the decision was made because of the risk it presented to the safety of the community and staff.
That is what Whanganui Prison director Reti Pearse is charged with first and foremost and he would have made the call to the best of his judgment at the time.
But the family, admirably, continued to fight and eventually Mr Pearse approved leave for Bretherton to attend the funeral under heavy security.
There will be those who think prisoners lose their right for such consideration. But remember, Bretherton is on remand and not a sentenced prisoner, therefore has to be treated as innocent.
Of course the general public is top priority but every effort should be put in to allowing prisoners (even sentenced ones) leave in such situations if it can be done safely.
There are few more significant events in someone's life than the death of a parent and not getting to say goodbye could do way more harm than good.
Prison is for punishment, rehabilitation and to keep the community safe.
Loss of liberty is part of that but a loss of compassion should never be.
The process worked this time, albeit a few days later than the family would have liked; Bretherton gets to farewell his father and the community is kept safe.
As chief custodial officer Neale Beales said: "That's good for everybody."
