Robbery suspect cleared

Press, 3 February 1984, Page 5

Robbery suspect cleared

A man seen outside the Harakeke Street home of an elderly couple who were later beaten, bound, and robbed on Monday, is no longer considered a suspect by the Christchurch

police. Detective Sergeant R. A. Hardie said that information given by the public led the police to the man yesterday. He said the man, who had a thick Yugoslav accent, lived in the area. After an interview, the police were satisfied that he was “definitely not involved” in the crime.

Mrs Ada Stevenson, aged 81, was beaten about the face by an intruder early on Monday morning. She and her husband, aged 79, were left bound on the floor of their home. The intruder took jewellery and about $l5OO in cash.

A man telephoned the police soon after and told

them to go to the Harakeke Street address.

Taped copies of the conversation were broadcast on Christchurch radio stations in the hope that someone would recognise the person’s voice.

Detectives had received “numerous” calls from people offering information and suggesting possible suspects. Some names had been given to the police by more than one caller.

A list of 21 names had been drawn up by the police. Five persons had been interviewed and crossed off the list.

Detective Sergeant Hardie said that approaching people who had been suggested as suspects by the public was “difficult” but most people were willing to help.

Many people had called at the police headquarters to listen to the original tape of the conversation.