Jailed burglar has sex change

20 October 2004

By OSKAR ALLEY

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.

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© Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2004.