Raymond Ratima killed family members, including his three young sons and his pregnant sister-in-law. Photo: Supplied / Stuff
Mass murderer Raymond Ratima, who killed seven members of his family in 1992, has taken the Parole Board to the High Court, arguing bias could potentially have been a factor in a decision denying his release.
Ratima was jailed for life after he went on a rampage in Masterton, killing family members including his three sons and pregnant sister-in-law.
He has been denied parole 14 times, with the last time being in October last year.
On Wednesday, Ratima and his lawyer, Roger Eagles, asked the High Court in Christchurch for a review of the board's latest decision not to grant parole.
Eagles said there had been "extensive personal contact" between Parole Board member Professor Phillip Brinded and Ratima after the murders in 1992, when Brinded prepared psychological reports.
Eagles argued Brinded's previous involvement with his client could create a "perception of bias" when it came to sitting on Ratima's parole hearing.
Counsel for the Parole Board Matthew Smith said decisions that considered a prisoner for release were made with the most up-to-date information the board had.
Justice Preston reserved her decision.
Ratima can make his next bid for release in April next year.
