Angry onlookers abuse accused in courtroom

Press, 22 October 1986, Page 1

Angry onlookers abuse accused in courtroom

Cries of abuse came from a packed public gallery during the brief appearance in the No. 1 District Court yesterday of the man accused of the murder of Louisa Bina Damodran, aged six. As Peter Joseph Holdem, handcuffed to a detective, was led into the dock, a score of policemen turned to face the public gallery. Because of the public outburst, Judge Erber said that unless order was restored he would have the court cleared.

Holdem, aged 30, unemployed (Mr R. S. Peters), stood downcast during his brief appearance in the dock. On the application of counsel, he was remanded in custody to November 4, without plea. • Sergeant M. J. South asked that while in custody Holdem undergo a psychiatric examination. To this request a voice from the gallery called out, “The same old story again.”

As Holdem was led from the dock cries of

angry abuse again came from the public gallery. Present during the brief appearance of the accused was the uncle of Louisa Damodran, relatives, and several members of the Indian community. Holdem was the first of the day’s defendants to be called to the dock. When he left, Judge Erber took a brief adjournment and ordered that the court be cleared. Exceptional public interest in the case was

reflected by the presence of several hundred people, including mothers with children, who had gathered outside the courtroom in Armagh Street to await the arrival of the accused. Precinct doors were kept locked until just before 10 a.m. Once the main doors were opened the public gallery quickly filled.

The Registrar of the District Court, Mr Robert Twidle, then asked those occupying the five rows of seats to move forward so that others could be admitted to stand behind them.

Although Holdem was swiftly taken away, the relatively large crowd in Armagh Street was still waiting at 10.40 a.m. hoping to get a glimpse of him.

The six-day inquiry for the missing child, headed by Detective Inspector Mai Griebel, was the biggest mounted in Christchurch. Police and detectives spent up to 48 hours a day supported by soldiers from Burnham Military Camp.