Knife found in Burton's cell

Prison authorities are trying to find out how a knife got into the cell of notorious murderer Graeme Burton.

The knife was found during a search of Burton's cell at Auckland Prison at Paremoremo about a month ago, Auckland Prison manager Neil Beales said.

"Several weeks ago, staff undertaking regular cell searches in the east division at Auckland Prison identified that a fan in prisoner Graeme Burton's cell had been interfered with.

"Staff immediately examined the fan and discovered a pocketknife inside. Their diligence prevented a potentially very dangerous situation. No further items were found.

"We are working to establish what led to the prisoner having access to the pocketknife and will implement any necessary changes that could prevent this from occurring again."

Corrections northern regional manager Warren Cummins said Burton was on directed segregation at the prison and was meant to be managed under the strictest of conditions.

These conditions included daily cell checks, which staff must record when they are completed, Mr Cummins said.

"As a result of our initial review into the incident, we had concerns about the way his management plan was being administered. Subsequently we have begun an employment investigation," Mr Cummins said.

"Affected staff received letters from Mr Beales advising them that the formal investigation was underway and why it was necessary."

Mr Cummins said Burton was charged internally for possession of an unauthorised item following advice from police.

He said the sanctions which could be enforced if he was found guilty could include a limitation on recreation time, loss of privileges and review of security classification.

However, these did not apply to Burton as he was a maximum security prisoner who receives only minimum legal entitlements.

Mr Cummins said no further comment would be made while employment investigation continued.

Burton was returned to prison after being sentenced to preventive detention with a minimum non-parole period of 26 years for the murder of Lower Hutt man Karl Kuchenbecker in January 2007 while on parole.

He was subsequently sentenced to preventive detention with a minimum non-parole period of 10 years, to be served concurrently to the murder sentence, following a guilty verdict on a charge of attempting to murder fellow inmate Dwayne Marsh after he stabbed him with a sharpened steel rod.