Family’s helper fears reprisals

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 16

Family’s helper fears reprisals

PA Auckland A man who told the police where to find a murdered woman’s body was yesterday jailed — and says he fears reprisals in prison.

A New Lynn company manager, Brendon James Kemp, aged 39, was sentenced in the District Court at Auckland for offences unrelated to the Maxine Walters case, in which depositions are now being taken in another court.

Kemp’s counsel, Mr John Gerard, said Kemp gave the police the information which led to the discovery of Maxine Walters’ body in a bush grave on October 21. Mr Gerard said Kemp could be the victim of reprisals by supporters of the men accused of killing Walters. Kemp had given the police the information for reasons of his own,

relating to his concern for the Walters family. He was of Aboriginal extraction, the Walters were of Maori extraction, and Kemp knew of their concern for finding the young woman’s body. Judge Gilbert sentenced Kemp to nine and 18 months jail on two charges of threatening to kill. For possessing a .22 calibre rifle with intent to threaten to kill he was jailed for one year. Kemp was convicted and discharged on a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm in a public place. He had been found guilty by a jury after denying all charges. All sentences were concurrent.

A Mount Eden Prison official said Kemp would be put in a protection area if he so asked.