Christie’s killer out at library and shop
Criminally-insane attacker Akshay Chand granted escorted leave, unbeknown to Marceau family. Tommy Livingston reports.
Less than six years after his deadly attack, Christie Marceau’s killer is being allowed out of the secure mental health clinic where he is being housed.
Marceau’s parents were unaware Akshay Chand had been granted leave until the Sunday Star-Times informed them this week. He was believed seen at an Auckland public library, McDonald’s and Countdown, locals say.
The Waitemata District Health Board subsequently confirmed to the family’s advocate that Chand is allowed escorted outings.
Brian and Tracey Marceau are now calling for a law change so victims’ families are better notified when offenders are granted leave.
‘‘It’s all I keep thinking about,’’ said Tracey Marceau, who considers Chand extremely dangerous. ‘‘I have had horrendous nightmares. As much as I hope we are safe, it is pretty frightening.’’
Chand stabbed 18-year-old Christie to death in 2011 at her North Shore home while on bail for a previous attack on her.
He was found not guilty of her murder by reason of insanity and was placed in the care of Waitemata DHB’s Mason Clinic as a special patient.
The Marceaus, who now live abroad, were assured that if Chand was ever granted leave from the clinic they would be notified. However, a loophole in the Victims’ Rights Act means legally the DHB only has to notify victims when the leave is unescorted.
Photos believed to be of Chand shown to the Sunday Star-Times show him on a computer at the Pt Chevalier library next to members of the public.
Dr Krishna Pillai, acting clinical director at the Mason Clinic, said any form of leave required the approval of the Ministry of Health and patients were escorted by ‘‘qualified staff’’.
Pillai said staff could not inform families of victims due to patient privacy.
Victim advocate Ruth Money said Pillai was making excuses and hiding behind the act.
‘‘What would have happened if he had bumped into the family as happened in another case in 2015?’’
Labour’s justice spokesperson Andrew Little agreed the act should be updated, and said the director of mental health should apologise.
But Minister of Justice Amy Adams shied away from committing to a law change. ‘‘There can be any number of reasons why a person might be granted escorted leave. It could be for something as routine as a dental check-up.’’