Apology and $370K compo for wrongly jailed men
Two men wrongly imprisoned will get nearly $370,000 between them after an apology from the government today for their ordeal.
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Two men wrongly imprisoned will get nearly $370,000 between them after an apology from the Government today for their ordeal.
Justice Minister Simon Power met Jaden Knight and his family at Parliament this morning. The other man, Phillip Johnston, wasn't present but was represented by family members.
Cabinet had approved $146,011 for Mr Johnston and $221,936 for Mr Knight, Mr Power said. Financial losses were assessed at close to $36,000 and $116,000 respectively.
The pair from Lower Hutt, near Wellington, were wrongly tried and convicted in 2004 for the arson of the Manawatu Hotel in Foxton. Both men spent nine and a half months in prison.
They had been sentenced to six years' jail, but were released after their convictions were quashed in June 2005.
Police apologised in March 2007.
NZPA and NBR staff
Wed, 11 May 2011
Wed, 11 May 2011
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Apology and $370K compo for wrongly jailed men
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