Murderer claims lack of Vegemite behind bars breaches his human rights
A convicted murderer who claims his human rights have been breached because he can’t eat Vegemite in prison has been told not to expect special treatment as he takes his claim to court.
Andre McKechnie is battling to overturn a ban on the spread in Victorian prisons, claiming it’s a breach of his human rights because he can’t enjoy his culture.
A convicted murderer who claims his human rights have been breached because he can’t eat Vegemite in prison has been told not to expect special treatment as he takes his claim to court. 9News
It is understood the Aussie staple was banned a decade ago because of concerns it can interfere with drug detection.
Representing himself, McKechnie argued he’s been unable to get case documents witnessed, claiming he’s been “put through suffering” when he asks prison staff.
“They get to pick and choose my evidence by saying we’re not going to sign this,” he said.However he was told he must follow the official process and save his arguments for the trial.“You will have your day in court... you’re no different to any other prisoner,” judicial registrar Katherine Lorenz said.
McKechnie is behind bars for murdering land developer Otto Kuhne in 1994.
The 60-year-old was found with stab wounds at his Gold Coast home.
While McKechnie is representing himself in the Vegemite legal fight, it’s likely to cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
McKechnie was beamed into today’s hearing via video link, making his arguments dressed in his prison greens from inside the maximum security Barwon prison.
He’ll argue his case in a Supreme court trial set down for next month.
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