Woman failed to attend court

Press, 17 June 1982, Page 26

Woman failed to attend court

A young woman who failed to appear as a witness in a High Court trial earlier this year has been fined $2O by Mr Justice Hardie Boys ir the High Court at Dunedin. Crown counsel. Mr W. J Wright, told his honour that Susan Elivia Bremer? aged 23. had been present when a man was beaten up and had his house wrecked. The incident was the result of the disappearance of some hard narcotics which had been left at the house, said Mr Wright.

At the time Miss Bremer was in the house, .although she did not .see the beating. She saw what the house looked like afterwards and gave evidence about items missing. *

After appearing at a depositions hearing and giving her evidence. Miss 'Bremer was given a witness summons to attend the High Court on February 1 this; year for the trial of the defendants involved in the incident. . • ('■

She failed to appear and a warrant was issued for her

For Miss Bremer, her counsel. Miss B. A. Farnan. said her client was afraid of flying and asked to .be al-' lowed to travel to' Dunedin by train. She was suffering from a medical condition and had earlier arranged 'to see her doctor in Blenheim.

The appointment was for the afternoon of February 1. Although Miss Bremer was aware of her duty to the court, she did not want to miss the appointment with 1 her doctor. When she became .- extremely unwell on the way to Christchurch she fejlt she should return to Blenheim. His Honour said he had to mark the disapproval of the Court for thtfway the woman had behaved, and ijnmppsed a fine Of $2O. ' 7