Sensible Sentencing Trust takes rare action writing to Corrections CEO seeking an ESO or PPO over high-risk child abductor

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has written to the CEO of Corrections urging the department to pursue a protective order regarding child-abductor and would-be child rapist John Tekuru to protect vulnerable children from him.

National Spokesperson, Louise Parsons today said: “We are deeply concerned that 20 year old John Tekuru appears to be at high risk of reoffending seriously against children, yet was recently released from custody, having served just 12 months in prison for unlawfully taking a 3 year old girl child with intent to have sexual connection, which he committed in 2025.  In our view, Tekuru is highly likely to reoffend against children as soon as he has the opportunity to do so.

“Our letter to the CEO of Corrections urges they seriously consider seeking either a Public Protection Order (PPO) or Extended Supervision Order (ESO) to manage Tekuru’s risk of reoffending.

“Media reports indicate Tekuru suffers from schizophrenia and admitted to police he intended to rape the child.  He is understood to be at high risk of reoffending, and has recently breached his prison release conditions and back in Corrections or Police custody.  However, this is likely to be a temporary measure.” continued Parsons.

“Putting aside the obvious and common failing of the New Zealand justice system that this offender should have received a much longer sentence than just 2 years imprisonment for abducting a child with intent to rape her, the New Zealand public expect and deserve protection from this man and others like him.  Alongside this is the obvious fact that he needs a great deal of help from the mental health system.

“This case highlights another of the many failings of the New Zealand justice system:  All prisoners sentenced to 2 years or less imprisonment, are released automatically after serving half their sentence - no risk assessment, no consideration of behaviour, no consideration of the views of victims. Release at 50% regardless if they will likely create new victims.  What a joke - except it’s no joke for victims of serious or repeat offenders.

‘New Zealanders expect better from a system that should be keeping us, especially children, safe from those who want to harm us.” concluded Ms Parsons.