Fulcher hearing on 22 charges begins

Press, 21 February 1986, Page 8

Fulcher hearing on 22 charges begins

PA Auckland A depositions hearing into drugs charges faced by Peter Fulcher began in Auckland this week. Fulcher, aged 45, a company director, formerly of Birkdale, appeared in the District Court at Auckland, before Justices of the Peace, Messrs J. Jaffe and J. H. Coulam. The hearing was adjourned from last week because Fulcher had an applicatin under civil provisions before the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal declined jurisdiction to deal with the case, saying Fulcher would have rights under criminal law to appeal again later if necessary. Fulcher faces 22 charges that he, with Terrence John Clark and others, in 1978 imported heroin into New Zealand, possessed heroin for supply, and conspired to im-

port and supply heroin. John David Donnelly, aged 43, a mechanic, of Mount Roskill, also appears on two charges of conspiring with Clark, Fulsher and others to supply heroin. Fulcher is in custody on remand. Donnelly is on bail. Mr George Howley appears for Fulcher and Mr Allan Roberts for Donnelly. For the Crown, Mr Robert Fardell told the Court that Fulcher was an associate of Clark, involved in the importation of heroin and distribution of the drug throughout New Zealand.

Donnelly, he . said, helped to distribute heroin and was involved in “cutting” the drug from its pure state. The hearing, with evidence by numerous witnesses, including three from overseas, is expected to last two weeks. Only one witness, who

was granted interim suppression of name, was heard yesterday. The woman told the court she met Fulcher through Clark. She said she "picked up” that Fulcher was involved in “the New Zealand side of Clark’s operation.” She once heard Clark tell a drug courier to contact Fulcher on arrival in New Zealand — “and he (Fulsher) would organise things from there."