On Monday night TV3 went to air with a story about convicted murderer Clayton Weatherston’s family. During the story, 60 Minutes journalist Alison Horwood stated that she had been to visit Weatherston in prison.
According to the Corrections website, no person may interview a prisoner, for the purpose of obtaining information and publishing or broadcasting it or publishing or broadcasting a transcript or description of the interview without first obtaining the written approval of both the Chief Executive or delegate and the prisoner concerned.
We spoke with Alison who told us “The Department of Corrections gave me permission on January 19, 2009 to visit Clayton Weatherston in prison. My name is on their record as an approved visitor for this inmate”.
When asked if she was given permission to visit as a Journalist, Ms Horwood told us that “There is only one standard application form for approval to visit a prisoner, and not a separate one for journalists. I filled the standard form out correctly, honestly and in a transparent manner. It does not require you to give your occupation.” And “I can assure you that at no time was I dishonest.”
However, reports on WhaleOil, Kiwiblog and Roar Prawn that the Department of Corrections gave no such permission appear to be true after Chief Executive Mike Martelli said no approval was given to the journalist and neither was any approach made to the department requesting an interview.
As is now apparent by her official visitor application form below (released under the Official Information Act – ht WO), it does in fact appear that Alison Horwood’s visit to Clayton Weatherston was as (family) friend.
One would expect some very real questions will be being asked of TV3 considering the penalties could be up to 3 months in prison and/or a $5000 fine.
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