Police dispute ’evidence’

Press, 29 July 1977, Page 4

Police dispute ’evidence’

■ The young people’s fiat featured in “The Press” yesterday was so crowded that one person was sleeping on top of a wardrobe, the police say.

Superintendent J. A. Jamieson, acting head of the Christchurch police district, said this yesterday in a statement commenting on a news item in which some of the flat dwellers denied ■ allegations made in the Maglistrate’s Court by the police.

“Contrary to the newspaper report, the police have not yet given any evidence in this case, and when we do so the defence will be able to contest any facts in dispute,” said Mr Jamieson. “A summary of one case only has been read to the court, I do not intend to relate any information about charges which are still pending. “One case has been final-

ised and this is the report mentioned in “The Press.” It involves a girl who has pleaded guilty to the charge. “The police prosecutor described the living conditions in the fiat as deplorable and we have photographs and other evidence to fully justify this statement. The room was so crowded that one person was sleeping on top of the wardrobe. The whole fiat was filthy with rubbish lying all over the floors and furniture. “A visual estimate of the room-size was made but there was no opportunity for measurements to be taken,” said Mr Jamieson. "The police do not dispute the fact that a measurement of the room may show our estimate to be incorrect.

“However, this has little bearing on the facts required to prove the charge which was before the court.” he said.