13 Sep 2022

Wrongly-convicted Alan Hall urges govt 'get a bloody hurry on'

From Checkpoint, 5:46 pm on 13 September 2022

Wrongly-convicted man Alan Hall says he wishes the government would "get a bloody hurry on" as he waits for an independent review into his innocence before receiving any compensation.

The Supreme Court quashed Hall's conviction for a murder during a home invasion nearly 40 years ago, declaring it a serious miscarriage of justice. He spent a total of 19 years behind bars for the murder of Arthur Easton, a crime he has always maintained he did not commit.

The government has now appointed retired High Court Judge Rodney Hansen to review whether Alan Hall, who was subsequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, meets the innocence test.

"I look forward to the police officers who did this to me, to be charged and prosecuted according to the law of the land," he told Checkpoint.
 
Hall said he wished the government would "get a bloody hurry on".

"I just want it over and done with and put it behind me."

Alan Hall's brothers Greg, Geoff and Robert speak outside the Supreme Court.

Alan Hall's brothers Greg, Geoff and Robert outside the Supreme Court after his conviction was quashed. Photo: RNZ

Alan Hall's brother, Geoff told Checkpoint it would take another year for the case to be reviewed.

"It's going to take six months for him to review the case ... and if he does find Alan innocent another six months to allocate you know an amount and that's a long time for Alan to be put on hold - he's been put on hold enough."

Geoff Hall said he believed that the Supreme Court's quashing of his brother's conviction was spelt out very clearly and it should be enough to determine what happens next.

"This was a miscarriage of justice but it was either done purposely or it was a huge mistake on, incompetence on the part of the police and this should be very clear to the minister, just that level of decision from the Supreme Court and it sent a very clear message - we all heard it I just wish that the minister had as well."

Geoff Hall said Alan's dream was to have two puppies and somewhere they could live.

"So he would like to have a home somewhere, a little bit of land, bit of home with a bit of bush and a stream through it where he can just potter around his days and just enjoy that."

Asked how much compensation his brother would like, Geoff Hall said they have looked at it with the lawyers and a figure of around $5 million to $6.5m had been discussed.