Teen killer dumped on NZ after jail
Murderer moved to Australia at age 3, writes Paul Mitchell.
Australia has kicked out a New Zealand-born teenage killer who may pose a reoffending risk according to a psychiatrist involved in her case.
Amanda Denise Pemberton, 39, was sentenced to life imprisonment as a teenager for her part in one of South Australia’s most brutal and shocking murders.
Pemberton was one of five people convicted of the torture and murder of Queenstown (Australia) 18-year-old Tracy Muzyk over a $70 drug debt in 1996. During hours of torture, Muzyk was scalded with boiling water, maced, stabbed and burned, before she was killed and dumped in a paddock.
However, after 22 years in prison, Pemberton was granted parole and subsequently deported to New Zealand.
Dr Craig Raeside, who first examined Pemberton during her sentencing in 1997, found her age, history of depression and low self-esteem and drug use made her particularly vulnerable to peer pressure from the group as she was its youngest member.
There was a very low-risk of killing again, but if she didn’t receive adequate support Pemberton could lapse back into depression and drug use and commit ‘‘less serious offences’’, he said.
Raeside said Pemberton would require ongoing psychiatric review in New Zealand, as well as ‘‘considerable social supports’’ after being in prison for practically her entire adult life.
‘‘Unfortunately, a decision to deport her would deprive her of such re-socialisation efforts.
‘‘Therefore she would potentially be at increased risk in the community upon her release in New Zealand, although this need not be the case should she be released in Australia.’’
Raeside reported Pemberton had largely been a model prisoner, and her rehabilitation had been aided considerably by the ongoing support of her family.
In Australia, Pemberton would have been on parole for life, regularly drug-tested and monitored, and the threat of being deported and separated from her family would’ve been a ‘‘very powerful incentive’’ to avoid reoffending, he said.
However, a 2016 amendment to Australia’s Immigration Act resulted in her visa being cancelled on character grounds.
Pemberton was three years old when her family moved to Australia, and she hasn’t returned to her country of birth since she was eight.
Department of Corrections deputy national commissioner Leigh Marsh said deportees are regularly visited by a probation officer, and monitored by police, to ensure they’re obeying the law and completing any required drug, alcohol or violence programmes.
People like Pemberton, on Returning Offender Orders, can receive accommodation costs for up to 12 weeks and be assisted in finding jobs.
‘‘On their arrival, we carry out an initial needs assessment and refer the returnee offender to PARS or the Salvation Army who assist with their reintegration needs.’’
Salvation Army national operations manager for reintegration Glen Buckner said the charity worked with each individual, and their families, to develop a support plan – providing everything from help finding long-term accommodation to lending a friendly ear – for as long as it takes for the deportee to rejoin society fully.
‘‘Once they are with us, we’re there for them for life regardless of when the Corrections contract for services ends.’’
Buckner said in cases similar to Pemberton’s, where ongoing mental health support was needed, the organisation provided doctors, counsellors and a 24-hour helpline.
Australia’s policy of deporting serious criminals, regardless of their lack of ties to New Zealand, has proven controversial on this side of the Tasman.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly criticised the policy, saying Australia should only be deporting New Zealand-born criminals who still have genuine links to this country.
Pemberton’s current whereabouts are unknown.