NT Department of Corrections commissioner Ken Middlebrook resigns

NT Department of Corrections commissioner Ken Middlebrook has resigned.

Commissioner of NT Department of Correctional Services Ken Middlebrook speaks out over the break-out of several youths at the correctional facility in Howard Springs.

NT Corrections Commissioner Ken Middlebrook has resigned following the escape of convicted axe murderer and rapist Edward Horrell after he was allowed to participate in work release program — Sentenced to a Job.

Horrell escaped from a low-security work camp in Nhulunbuy on Monday night, sparking anxiety in the community.

In an email to his staff Mr Middlebrook announced he had resigned, effective immediately, at a meeting with the Chief Minister.

“As you would be aware, there has been significant media and a strong public response regarding the escape of Edward Horrell from the Datjala Work Camp, his involvement in the Sentenced to a Job program, and the recent escapes from youth detention,” he said.

“As the head of this Department, I take responsibility for the actions of the Department and have accepted personally the consequences.”

Mr Middlebrook said he took great pride in the department and its personnel.

“Despite what you may see or hear in the media, I urge you to be proud of our achievements and to continue to use your best efforts to deliver the business of Correctional Services and progress the initiatives,” he said.

“I ask that you continue to use your best efforts to progress the work we do and to provide the same level of support that I have enjoyed, to the new Commissioner for Correctional Services. Mr Middlebrook he said he expected his replacement would be announced “shortly”.

“I wish the Government, the Department, and you all the very best for your future endeavours,” he signed off.

Mr Elferink said the policy not to refer convicted sex offenders to the “Sentenced to a Job” programs had not been followed

It is understood Mr Elferink met with Mr Middlebrook ahead of his resignation this morning to offer an explanation as to why the convicted rapist and murderer was allowed to participate in a work release program in the community.

Mr Horrell was the 36th prisoner to escape from NT Corrections in the past 18 months. He turned himself in yesterday morning.

Yesterday Labor called for Mr Elferink to be stood down immediately over the escape and a long list of other recent controversies.

Mr Giles and Mr Elferink issued a a joint statement that said the Chief Minister had accepted Mr Middlebrook’s resignation.

“Northern Territory Police Force Deputy Commissioner Mark Payne has been appointed as the Acting Commissioner for Corrections,’’ it read.

“Commissioner Payne will undertake a recruitment process for a permanent Commissioner, as well as a comprehensive review of the Department of Correctional Services.

“It is anticipated both tasks will be complete in mid-2016.

“The Government wishes Mr Middlebrook all the best for the future and thanks him for the lasting contributions he has made to the NT Corrections system.”