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| New Zealand Prison Officer Bears Inmate's Child |
| By The Press |
| Published: 04/07/2003 |
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David James Shepherd, 37, impregnated the woman while serving 11 years for stupefying and raping two girls, aged 13 and 14, babysitting at his house. The newborn's mother, Raewyn Houia, quit her job as a Corrections officer when nearly four months pregnant in late June. Ms Houia had been in the job for less than a year and a card written to her by Shepherd had been found in his cell. She was temporarily banned from seeing Shepherd. Ms Houia moved to the North Island and baby Sean Rawiri Tama Terangi Shepherd was born at the Waterford Birth Centre in Hamilton on December 16. Both Ms Houia, 37, and Shepherd are listed as parents on the birth certificate. The birth was not registered until March 4. Ms Houia and Shepherd continue to see each other, since his transfer to a North Island prison. Shepherd, called the Candyman by the Crown, was sentenced in October 2000 on 15 charges, including four of rape, one each of sexual violation and indecent assault, and five of stupefying the girls. His victims are calling for an inquiry into how he got sex in jail and a National Party spokesman wants the Corrections Department to review officers' training. South Island Prisons regional manager Paul Monk said the department does not comment on employees, past or present. Its code of conduct forbids officers having sexual or financial relationships with inmates. Recently, from the Waikato township of Morrinsville where she is now living, Ms Houia conceded he could be the father. 'Even if David was the father to my baby, I did nothing wrong as far as the job was concerned. If I did, it was because they pushed me towards somebody (Shepherd) and I ended up liking him,' she said. 'If that's a crime, well ... hello?' When reminded that officers were not allowed sexual relations with inmates, Ms Houia said conception may have taken place outside jail. 'At the end of the day David and I are keeping that close to ourselves.' |
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