Posted on 10/19/2004 1:24:09 PM PDT by shaggy eel
A transsexual burglar with more than 85 convictions is free on bail, amid revelations she underwent a sex change operation three weeks ago while in prison custody.
Career criminal Joanne Martin is facing the prospect of another prison sentence for her latest burglaries, but prison officials must first decide whether she would go to a men's or women's prison. They are understood to require proof that she is a woman.
It is thought that three weeks ago, while in a Wellington men's prison, Martin had a sex change operation to become a woman. She was arrested on September 18.
Martin pleaded guilty this month to a breach of parole and two burglary charges relating to an inner-city building.
Despite the guilty plea, she was given bail when she appeared for sentence in Wellington District Court on Monday.
Judge Bridget Mackintosh who prosecuted Martin four years ago on 41 charges while working as a lawyer granted bail, saying she would give Martin the opportunity to get herself "back on track".
Martin has one month of freedom before her sentencing. Her bail conditions state she must live in a Wellington City Council flat, but when The Dominion Post visited the address yesterday it was unoccupied. Neighbours said the flat had been vacant for three weeks.
Bridget White, the Corrections Department's women's and specialist service assistant general manager, confirmed that transgender inmates could continue "any medical or hormonal treatment" behind bars that had started before they were jailed.
"However, they must meet all the costs, including security, and sexual reassignment surgery will not be considered while they are in prison."
Asked how Corrections determined an inmate's sex, Ms White said if it was unclear or in dispute medical advice was sought. She confirmed there were "a number" of transgender inmates in prison at any one time.
Martin, formerly known as Joanne Enright and Jon Enright, has more than 85 burglary convictions and more from other crimes.
In 2000, she was jailed for five years on 41 burglary charges after $467,000 worth of mainly computer equipment was stolen from Wellington high-rise buildings.
She told police she needed money for a sex-change operation.
Martin was freed in April last year but reoffended within two days and was returned to jail for charges that included five counts of burglary and one of assaulting police.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Peter Walker, who specialises in "gender reassignment" operations, said the procedure took three surgeons about five hours and cost between $25,000 and $28,000.
Before being considered for a sex change the person had to spend two years "living and working as a woman" and was assessed by a GP, geneticist, endocrinologist, two psychiatrists and a social worker.
Martin was a woman and should be sent to a women's prison, Mr Walker said. "Without doubt she should be in a female prison because she would be raped or all sorts of things in with the men."
The "life-changing" operation was painful and patients required painkillers and used a catheter afterwards. Recovery from the surgery took about three weeks but further treatment was required for about six months.
A Wellington City Council spokeswoman confirmed yesterday that people "leaving prison" were considered for its flats, provided adequate community support was available. The tenancy arrangement lasted 120 days but could be continued, provided rent was paid and no complaints had been received from neighbours.
John & Terry Kerry: "Let them have BOTOX!"
Dee Snider ??
,,, baaaaaaaahhhhhh.
You know, life was SO much simpler when I grew up... *g
What, no pictures?!
,,, this one won't. It wouldn't be impossible here though.
,,, as you can gather, prisoners have no problems with reform.
I was talking about the freaks already in office ~ I don't get it. *sigh*
,,, this isn't that sort of thread :)
,,, the ones in office already? Voters didn't do their homework... for others, it makes no difference, as long as the welfare payments keep rolling out.
Morbid curiousity often gets the best of me...
that's just wrong.
That figures. :)
Shaggy's closet
He's still a burglar, but can no longer be accused of bone smuggling....
Stealing computers to pay for a sex change? What was this person's day job?
He orders the guy out of bed and ties him to a chair. He then ties the wife to the bed, gets on top of her, kisses her on the neck, gets up and goes into the bathroom.
While he's in there, the husband tells his wife: "Listen, this guy is an escaped prisoner. Just look at his clothes! He probably spent lots of time in jail, and hasn't seen a woman in years. I saw how he kissed your neck. If he wants sex, don't resist, don't complain, do what he tells you, just give him satisfaction, no matter how much he ravages you. This guy is probably extremely dangerous. If he gets angry, he'll kill us. Be strong, honey. I love you."
His wife responds, "He wasn't kissing my neck. He was whispering in my ear. He told me he was gay, thought you were cute and asked if we kept any Vaseline in the bathroom. I told him where to find it. Be strong honey. I love you too".
,,, bury the bone BUMP!
,,, with as many convictions as it has, I doubt there would be time to hold down a job.
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