Post by Soutpeel on Mar 16, 2017 16:38:40 GMT 7
Bald New Zealand murderer wins toupee court battle
A bald New Zealand convicted murderer has won a court battle to wear a toupee in prison, by arguing that it was within his human rights.
Philip John Smith's hairpiece was taken away when authorities recaptured him after he fled the country, using the toupee as part of a disguise.
But he argued that his toupee was an "artwork" essential to his self-esteem.
A High Court judge in Auckland ruled that his "fundamental right to freedom of expression was ignored".
Smith is serving a life sentence in prison.
He was convicted and imprisoned in 1996 for murdering the father of a boy he had previously sexually abused.
He also has a string of other convictions, including extortion, aggravated robbery and sexual offences.
www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39287955
A bald New Zealand convicted murderer has won a court battle to wear a toupee in prison, by arguing that it was within his human rights.
Philip John Smith's hairpiece was taken away when authorities recaptured him after he fled the country, using the toupee as part of a disguise.
But he argued that his toupee was an "artwork" essential to his self-esteem.
A High Court judge in Auckland ruled that his "fundamental right to freedom of expression was ignored".
Smith is serving a life sentence in prison.
He was convicted and imprisoned in 1996 for murdering the father of a boy he had previously sexually abused.
He also has a string of other convictions, including extortion, aggravated robbery and sexual offences.
www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39287955
