Ben Smart and Olivia HopeThe father of Marlborough schoolgirl Olivia Hope has been granted access to speak with the man convicted of her murder. "Both Mr Hope and Mr Watson have long been open to, and sought, a meeting." Mr Hope has for many years expressed his openness to meet Mr Watson and his desire to ask him a number of questions, face to face. The Corrections Department decision follows more than three years of requests and legal action. The department rejected applications for a meeting between Mr Hope and Mr Watson in 2013 and 2014.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 31, 2016 21:11 UTC