Jorgenson recalled for life sentence

Press, 7 December 1976, Page 1

Jorgenson recalled for life sentence

Parliamentary reporter

Ths Minister of Justice (Mr Thomson) has directed that Ronald John Jorgenson, at present on probation after his release from life imprisonment, be recalled to serve that sentence.

Jorgenson, who was sentenced in the Supreme Court at Auckland on March 4, 1964. to life imprisonment for murder, took part in the Remuera machine-gunning incident in 1963.

He was released on probation on November 1, 1974, on the statutory conditions of probation and the special condition that he live and work where directed by the probation officer.

Last week he was con-

yicted on a charge of selling drugs and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Under the terms of the section of the Criminal Justice Act governing the release of offenders detained under a sentence of imprisonment for life, the Minister of Justice may, at any time while the offender is on probation, direct that the offender be recalled.

The powers conferred by this section of the legislation may be exercised on such grounds as the Minister thinks fit and whether or not the offender has committed a breach of the conditions of his probation.

Mr Thomson said after the Cabinet meeting yesterday that every life prisoner was on probation for life, reports the Press As-

sociation. “Every lifer can be recalled if he seriously offends again,” he said.

Jorgenson’s release on probation would be the subject of a further recommendation by the Prison Parole Board.

“I would expect that they would look at him in two years time,” the Minister said.

Mr Thomson said he vvould have to make a decision soon concerning submissions made to him on the Arthur Alan Thomas case in Auckland.

However, he wanted to have a few more discussions on the position before making up his mind on pleas that the case be reopened.