Prisoner granted compassionate bail to attend tangi nearly died on return to prison after ingesting bag of meth

Huata Irving was in custody awaiting sentence on multiple charges, when he was granted leave to attend the tangi of a relative killed in a car crash in Te Awamutu in May.

Open Justice reports Irving had to be hospitalised shortly after returning, after the bag of meth he ingested at the tangi burst inside him.

Counsel Bolivia Newton told the judge he was meant to be sentenced in early June, but couldn't make it because of a failed compassionate bail.

Ms Newton also told Irving he may lose discount for any rehabilitative prospects for his actions.