Case described as unique in N.Z. history

Press, 20 May 1987, Page 12

Case described as unique in N.Z. history

PA Gisborne A criminal charge has been laid against the Gisborne City Council in a case local legal sources have described as unique in New Zealand. The council was charged under section 190 of the Crimes Act with injuring by an unlawful act. The charge follows an incident in June, 1986, in which a cleaning woman was injured after being trapped by a service lift in the H. B. Williams Memorial Library. The hearing has been adjourned without plea to June 9. The council was orignally charged that being the owner of a lift it failed to keep the lift in good and safe condition

when in use. But at this week’s hearing, the Crown Prosecutor, Mr Mike Sullivan, applied to have this charge withdrawn without prejudice. He said the date in. the charge was incorrect and to amend it would make the proceedings . a nullity. Mr Sullivan told .the Court that the further charge had been laid under the Crimes Act. The City Council solicitor, Mr Tony Adeane, said the city was prepared for a defended hearing and asked for a simple order that the original charge be dismissed. After Judge Hole allowed the original charge to be withdrawn, the new charge under the Crimes Act was read and adjourned to June 9.