Man admits false claim against police

Press, 5 December 1981, Page 4

Man admits false claim against police

PA Auckland A man admitted making a false statement about the police fabricating evidence against him when he appeared in the District Court at Auckland. He is David Robert Ward, aged 40. a bus driver, of Swanson, who pleaded guilty to a charge that on November 13, in a written statement made to Peter Anthony Mildenhall, an officer of police, he alleged contrary to fact and without a genuine belief in the truth of his statement that a crime — the fabrication of evidence — had been committed.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing an offensive weapon. Constable M. G. Wardell said that about 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 12. he had been on duty at a road block at New North Road and Bond Street, Auckland. About 300 anti-tour protesters were blocking the road and he was one of the police instructed to form a line and move protesters back from the road.

Some protesters were using shields and sticks to throw at and to strike the

police. Ward was in the front line of protesters and wearing a crash helmet. As the police tried to move the protesters they linked arms.

Constable Wardell said Ward was pulled through the police lines and struggled violently. He put his hard on Ward’s back, felt an object under his jacket, and saw a wooden object protruding from the jacket. Sergeant P. A. Mildenhall said that on November 13 Ward made a complaint to him relating to his treatment by the police at the time of his arrest.

On November 25, Sergeant Mildenhall said, he spoke to Ward again and showed him photographs. He showed him a photograph which appeared to picture Ward with a piece of wood sticking out from under his jacket. Sergeant Mildenhall said that Ward had made a statement that the police had picked up a handle and held it by him and he was then charged. After he had seen the photograph. Ward said: “Yes, I admit it: it is the handle of a slasher that I had under my jacket, but I did not use

it. I only had it for my own protection." Counsel. Mr Rhys Harrison. said that the prosecution had to establish that the intention of the defendant was to use the article for causing bodily injury. Judge Browne reserved decision until Mondav.