Probation officer's 'advice' sparks probe

The Corrections Department is investigating a probation officer who allegedly told a man to make sure he does not get caught if he flouts a non-association order.

The situation came to light during Lex Sinclair's child abuse trial.

Sinclair is Khole Buckthought's father. In court, Mr Buckthought was asked by defence lawyer Steve Winter why he was still in contact with the boy, his son, when a probation-imposed non-association order prevented that.

"Probation said if you do have contact with him, make sure you don't get caught," Mr Buckthought said.

He named the probation officer as Dan Wilson and said Probation knew he loved his children.

A statement from Probation area manager Grant Newman said Corrections was "gathering preliminary information about this allegation".

"It is envisaged that the investigation will be completed in the next week or so."

The order was imposed in early 2010 when Mr Buckthought was released from prison following a conviction for assaulting the boy's mother.

- © Fairfax NZ News