A Christchurch kidnapping and sexual assault has resulted in one of New Zealand’s harshest sentences: preventive detention.

The offender had close to 60 previous convictions and had spent decades behind bars. But what makes a judge decide an ordinary prison sentence is no longer enough?

On Case by Case, Jane Yee speaks with Open Justice reporters Al Williams and Ric Stevens about the case, how preventive detention works, who can receive it, and why the sentence has raised human rights concerns.

Case by Case is a New Zealand Herald podcast from the Open Justice team, with support from New Zealand On Air.

New episodes every Tuesday at 5.30PM NZT

A Christchurch kidnapping and sexual assault has resulted in one of New Zealand&rsquo;s harshest sentences: preventive detention.
The offender had close to 60 previous convictions and had spent decades behind bars. But what makes a judge decide an ordinary prison sentence is no longer enough?
On Case by Case, Jane Yee speaks with Open Justice reporters Al Williams and Ric Stevens about the case, how preventive detention works, who can receive it, and why the sentence has raised human rights concerns.
Case by Case is a New Zealand Herald podcast from the Open Justice team, with support from New Zealand On Air.
New episodes every Tuesday at 5.30PM NZT

Every case tells a story. But understanding what happens in court, a tribunal or disciplinary hearing, and why, can be just as important as the verdict or finding itself.

Hosted by Jane Yee alongside a rotating cast of NZ Herald Open Justice reporters, Case by Case examines the cases, disputes and decisions making headlines across New Zealand.

Case by Case is an Open Justice podcast from the NZ Herald, with support from NZ On Air.

New episodes every Tuesday at 5.30PM NZT

Every case tells a story. But understanding what happens in court, a tribunal or disciplinary hearing, and why, can be just as important as the verdict or finding itself.
Hosted by Jane Yee alongside a rotating cast of NZ Herald Open Justice reporters, Case by Case examines the cases, disputes and decisions making headlines across New Zealand.
Case by Case is an Open Justice podcast from the NZ Herald, with support from NZ On Air.
New episodes every Tuesday at 5.30PM NZT