Taylor ‘pleased’ to return to Dunedin
DUNEDIN is about to be home once more for jailhouse lawyer Arthur Taylor.
The Parole Board yesterday accepted an offer from his advocate Hazel Heal, of Dunedin, that Taylor relocate from Wellington to live with Ms Heal — with whom he resided briefly after being released on parole in February 2019.
In June, Taylor was subject to an interim order recalling him to prison after issues arose with his accommodation in Wellington.
Ms Heal made her offer for Taylor to return south at a Parole Board hearing yesterday, an offer which was swiftly accepted.
‘‘It went very well and we came to an agreement between parties — the board, Corrections, police and ourselves — quite quickly,’’ Ms Heal said.
‘‘We came to an amicable agreement within an hour and we had set aside four hours for the hearing.’’
Most of the issues concerning the authorities were quickly resolved and other issues which concerned the board were taken care of by Taylor relocating to Dunedin, Ms Heal said.
Taylor would return to Dunedin on Monday, Ms Heal said.
‘‘It’s awesome, very exciting,’’ Ms Heal said.
‘‘Arthur is very pleased with the outcome and very pleased to be heading back to Dunedin.
‘‘He is keen to get on with writing his book, which is what he intends to get on with while he is here.’’
Taylor, who has more than 150 convictions for fraud, kidnapping, firearmsrelated crime and drug offences, taught himself law while behind bars.
He subsequently took several cases against the Government, in support of prisoner rights, and won some of his cases.