It was "inexcusable" that the criminal who killed Debbie Ashton was out on parole when he caused the car crash that killed her, Acting Police Minister Phil Goff says.
Mr Goff said the inquiry report released today found human error was a key factor behind Jonathan Alan Barclay being at large when he should have been in jail.
"Systems should have been in place to avoid such errors leading to the tragic consequences which occurred in this case," he said in a statement.
"Corrections and police accept in full the criticisms made and the recommendations to remedy the deficiencies that existed in the area of dealing with offenders who were witnesses and under the witness protection programme."
Barclay was under the programme, and because of that he used his assumed name when he appeared in court on driving charges a month before the fatal crash.
He was treated as a first offender, his previous convictions were not known to the judge, and he was fined and released.
"The offender should have been recalled to prison when convicted of driving with excess breath alcohol and the decision not to was inexcusable," Mr Goff said.
"Protection of identities under the witness protection programme is important but the paramount obligation of Corrections and police is to the safety of the community."
He said fundamental changes had been made to the management of offenders on the programme who were on parole.
"I am assured by both Corrections and police that the recommendations if the inquiry to prevent any further tragedies of this nature will be fully implemented."
