Dennis Hines founder of the Nomads gang that operated in Horowhenua and Wairarapa for many years and was notorious for violence has died.

Dennis Hines, 55, has died in Waikeria Prison, apparently of natural causes. The Corrections Department confirmed yesterday that Hines had died on Sunday.Spokeswoman Dianne Brophy said: "[Hines] had been unwell for some time. He alerted staff to a change in his condition and they took immediate action to assist him, and contact emergency services." Ambulance staff found him dead.Hines was sentenced in 2005 to 5 1/2 years' prison for conspiring to supply methamphetamine. The judge described his record of 93 previous convictions, stretching back to 1969, as "formidable" and "appalling".They included violence, threatening to kill, wounding with intent, dishonesty and drug offences.A former Black Power member, Hines formed the Nomads gang that operated in Horowhenua and Wairarapa for many years and was notorious for violence.His death has been referred to the coroner.