Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has responded to speculation that infamous child murderer Jon Venables could be moved to New Zealand - "don't bother," she said.
British media fuelled speculation that Venables, who became the UK's youngest convicted murderer alongside Robert Thomspon for the torture and killing of James Bulger in 1993, could be moved from the UK to New Zealand to start a new life.
Reports claim that British authorities are growing weary of providing Venables with new identities. He was granted lifelong anonymity following his conviction, and the cost of a fresh legal battle to keep his anonymity protected is reportedly one motive for his relocation.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand are reported as being possible new locations for Venables.
Ardern had a stern reply for those was asked about the reports at her post-Cabinet press conference on Monday.
"I'm advised that Immigration NZ have not received anything official. Because of his existing convictions, he would need an exemption under [the Immigration Act].
"My advice would be: 'Don't bother applying.'"
New Zealand immigration law prohibits entry to anyone who has been sentenced to five or more years in jail. However, the Immigration Minister does have the discretion to grant a visa.
Bulger was murdered by Venables and Thompson on 12 February 1993 after the youths abducted him from a Merseyside shopping centre. The pair brutally tortured the toddler before tying his mutilated body to a railway track.
Venables was released from prison in 2001, but returned in 2010 and 2017 after being charged with child pornography offences and possessing child abuse images on his computer.
Bulger's father, Ralph, launched a legal bid to challenge Venables' identity protection, but lost in March this year.
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