Remorse ‘irrelevant’

Press, 13 April 1989, Page 16

Remorse ‘irrelevant’

PA Rotorua The fact that “major players” in the fatal shooting of an Okoroire farmhand last year were drug dealers was relevant only to provide a motive — missing cannabis — the Crown Prosecutor, Mr Pat Savage, told the High Court in Rotorua yesterday. He was giving his closing address at the trial of two South Canterbury men, Stuart William Crutchley, aged 34, a farmer, and Brent Vern Harkerss, aged 23, a

farmhand, who are charged with murdering Lance Peter Eavestaff at Okoroire in July, last year. Appearing before Mr Justice Smellie, the two men pleaded not guilty at the beginning of the trial on Monday. The expressions of guilt, sorrow and remorse shown by both accused during police interviews were also irrelevant, Mr Savage said. Being remorseful and saying sorry afterwards was instinctive and easy to do, he said.

Crutchley was known to be the gunman in the incident. Mr Eavestaff had been shot almost “dead centre” in the face and the muzzle of the revolver had been 30cm to 40cm away. The revolver had been mechanically safe, unable to be accidentally fired, Mr Savage said. “The person who shot Lance Eavestaff did what he intended, and that’s murder.” Harkerss was also guilty of murder for his part in the incident, he said.