Policemen elect trial by jury

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 5

Policemen elect trial by jury

PA Gisborne Seven policemen appeared in the District Court at Gisborne yesterday to answer charges arising from alleged incidents during the investigation into arsons at Ruatoria. All have been remanded on bail to September 28 for the taking of depositions. Before the court were Malcolm John Thomas, aged 32, a constable; Lawrence Richard Naden, aged 39, a sergeant; David Jeffrey Neilson, aged 29, a constable; Hemi Honotapu Wikawai, aged 35, a constable; Eric Walter Newman, aged 37, a sergeant; Michael John Wilkinson, aged 31, a con-

stable, of Hastings; and Brett Anthony Kane, aged 30,- a constable. Thomas, Neilson, Hikawai and Wilkinson are charged with kidnapping Dick James Maxwell. Thomas, Naden, Neilson, Hikawai, and Wilkinson are charged with assaulting Maxwell with intent to facilitate the crime of wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice. Naden, Neilson, Hikawai, and Wilkinson are charged with assaulting Maxwell to facilitate the crime of kidnapping. Thomas and Kane are charged with assaulting Michael Tokoitu Paiti with intent to facilitate the crime of attempting to

pervert the course of justice. Neilson and Newman are charged with assaulting Jonathon Stuart Shane McClutchie with intent to facilitate the crime of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Naden is charged with knowing Neilson, Wilkinson, Hikawai and Thomas to have been parties to the charge of kidnapping Maxwell, and that he assisted them in order to enable them to avoid arrest or conviction. Wilkinson also faces two charges of assaulting Anthony James Tuhou. Defence counsel, Mr Tony Adeane, said all would elect trial by jury. A suitable date for the taking of depositions was the fortnight beginning September 28. An eighth person had not yet been served and he asked that this be enlarged to the date for depositions. Judge Browne remanded all charges to September 28 and set bail at $lOOO.

The New Plymouth Crown prosecutor, Mr John Laurenson, who appeared for the police, said it was unfortunate that the police had been subject to criticism for apparent delays in bringing the charges. It was inappropriate for him to go into the reasons for that, he said. The matters had been investigated promptly and thoroughly and given full priority. At all times the police had keen appreciation of the distress the matters would be causing the defendants and their families.

Judge Browne said that anyone dealing with the administration of justice would appreciate that this was a difficult matter.