New Zealand's first ever public protection order has been granted, against a convicted paedophile.
A file photo of a CCTV camera at a prison: A new facility is being built in Christchurch for those detained under public protection orders. Photo: RNZ
Glen Anthony Douglas has completed a three-year jail sentence for two crimes of sexual connection with a 13-year-old boy.
The Department of Corrections applied to the High Court to extend his detention, on the grounds that he posed a serious risk to young boys.
Public protection orders (PPOs) allow the court to detain high-risk individuals until they no longer pose a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
The court has now granted the order against Douglas.
Read the full judgement online here (384KB)
Justice Davidson said the need for protection of potential victims must come first.
"The very idea of containment other than under sentence, albeit in purpose built accommodation, is inherently troublesome," he said.
"It is reserved for those cases where there is really no option, to avoid the very high, serious, and imminent risk posed by an individual.
"Mr Douglas does pose that risk. He may not do so after treatment, and the passage of time, and under the required reviews the PPO may no longer be considered necessary."
New secure facility being built
Corrections has been building a new facility to house those subject to public protection orders.
The facility - called Matawhaiti Residence - will be built on land at Christchurch Men's Prison and opened next year.
The department said, in the meantime, it would set up an area separate from other inmates at the prison.
"Only a very small number of people are likely to become subject to PPO, and the threshold is very high."
The law enabling the orders was passed almost exactly two years ago.