7 Nov 2016

Judith Collins responds to outcry over terminally ill inmate

From Morning Report, 8:17 am on 7 November 2016
Dozens of protesters called for the released of terminal cancer patient Vicki Letele.

Dozens of protesters called for the released of terminal cancer patient Vicki Letele. Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett

05072016 Photo: Rebekah Parsons-King. Caucus run. Judith Collins.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Corrections Minister Judith Collins says while she feels for terminally ill prisoner Vicki Letele and her family, the decision to release her is out of her hands.

A petition calling for the release of Letele has gathered 12,000 signatures.

Letele is serving a 3 year and 2 month sentence for fraud, but is dying of stomach cancer.

More than 200 people protested for her release outside Wiri women's prison in Auckland on Saturday.