Joe Coleman Differences of opinion are emerging over whether the killer of a South Auckland transgender woman should have state-funded facial tattoo removal whilst still in prison, to help his hoped-for integration back into society. Georgie Matahaere, an occasional sex worker with a solvent abuse problem, was killed by Black Power member Joe Coleman with whom she shared an Otahuhu house. Coleman beat Matahaere, who was described by neighbours at the time as "soft-hearted - she wouldn't hurt a fly," about the head with a softball bat in mid-December 2002. She died of her injuries six days later. A psychologist at a parole board hearing has recommended that Coleman receive financial assistance to have his facial gang tattoos removed to assist with his rehabilitation but the Corrections Department is refusing to pay.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 19th February 2013 - 7:25pm