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This morning, John Barlow was released from Rimutaka Prison
after spending the last 15 years there.
One former prisoner says that Barlow's release isn't a sign
that the Parole Board is becoming more lenient on prisoners.
John Barlow spent 16 years behind bars,
for the murders of Eugene and Gene Thomas.
Since his imprisonment, Barlow has maintained his innocence.
Barlow was released from prison after appearing last week,
for a second time, before the Parole Board.
This former inmate says Barlow was lucky.
There are plenty of inmates that have done the same time as Barlow,
who are still waiting to be released.
There are many that I know personally.
Shane says that Barlow's release doesn't mean
our Parole Laws need tightening.
He would know.
He served 10 years of a life sentence
for murdering his sister's attacker.
Getting parole is already difficult,
because of people like Graeme Burton.
All inmates suffer because of one man's wrongdoing.
The Parole Board's response,
is that offenders must not be detained any longer
than is consistent with the safety of the community.
His well-wishes may be of some benefit to John Barlow,
with reports that he may continue to fight
to have his convictions quashed.
Shane White says the Parole Board needs to put more effort
into treating inmates' applications for parole case-by-case basis.
Kingi Kiriona, Te Karere.