Convicted murderer and paedophile Phillip Smith will go to court in a bid to get his hairpiece back next month if it is not returned to him.
An email sent to media from Smith's lawyer Tony Ellis advised that interviews sought with Smith by TVNZ, Fairfax and Radio NZ had been refused by Corrections. A fourth request had yet to receive an answer.
Mr Ellis said he was advised by Corrections that interview requests were decided on after balancing freedom of expression and victims' rights.
Smith had instructed Mr Ellis to seek a judicial review of Corrections' refusal to grant the interview requests in the High Court.
Smith would also seek a review of the decision to deny him his hairpiece if he hadn't had it back by the time the judicial review was lodged next month.
Smith's unusual hairpiece was confiscated after he was deported from Brazil on November 28.
He then embarked on a hunger strike in a bid to have it returned, but gave up after less than four days.
By NZME. News Service
