Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old lifetime parolee, was recalled to prison after being picked up for sleeping in his car. He was beaten by prison guards in Spring Hill Correction Facility on or about the 5 March and is now on a hunger strike. As his legal counsel, we were not given access to Dean for around 10 days and were told he did not want to speak to us when we tried several times to make contact. That was not case, when we finally heard from Dean 9 days later he told us that he had been hospitalised after being badly assaulted. 

His lawyer Annette Sykes released a media statement on her facebook page on 18 March at the request of Dean to expose what happened to him and release the photos of his injuries.

Ms Sykes stated:

"I am extremely worried for this kaumātua from Maketū whom I have helped over the years reintegrate back into the community. After losing his accommodation, he had slept in his car with his two cats. Mr Wickliffe was arrested and taken into custody on 5 March for not residing at his approved address. The upon his arrival at Spring Hill Corrections Facility, Mr Wickliffe was badly beaten by prison guards when he refused to be double-bunked, and his head slammed into the concrete floor several times. He received black eyes and a three-inch gash on his forehead. He required hospitalisation to deal with these injuries. I am appalled at this treatment. No one should ever be treated like this in prison, ever, and certainly not a 77 year old kaumātua who had turned his life around living a peaceful life in Maketū. He was bothering no one, in fact he has huge support from his community and friends who have rallied together to help him. This is not just an isolated incident but raises broader questions and significant concerns about the treatment of elderly and vulnerable individuals within our correctional facilities. Regardless of an individual's status as an inmate, basic human rights and dignity must be upheld, particularly for vulnerable persons such as the elderly." says Sykes.  

As Dean's advocates, we are calling for your support in our bid for Dean to be released on compassionate grounds due to his failing health affecting his existing heart condition since losing 17kgs since 10 March.  Whilst he recovers, we need space to be able to pursue his legal fight to appeal his original sentencing conditions, and follow through on formal complaints that Dean has filed. We have a great legal team and Dean has huge support behind him. 

It is pivotal we act now. Support us in demanding that the Department of Corrections release Dean immediately and ensure his remaining days are spent with dignity, in peace and justice for all parolees who struggle to survive. Dean's fight is for all parolees lives that matter.  We need to change the law. Your voice matters - please sign our petition today.