Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Police stand by process in burglary case


Police stand by process in burglary case

The actions of officers involved in the arrest of Arie Smith-Voorkamp and his alleged co-offender on burglary charges soon after the 22 February earthquake were correct and proper procedures followed.

Christchurch Central Area Commander Inspector Derek Erasmus says Police are fully satisfied with the way the arrest was dealt with by local officers.

"Claims that the alleged offenders were assaulted are completely incorrect, Inspector Erasmus says. "We have met with Mr Smith-Voorkamp and his lawyer twice and no complaint has been made. Claims that Australian police or Army personnel were involved are also spurious - neither organisation was involved in the apprehension of the men."

Inspector Erasmus says Police have also followed correct procedures in opposing diversion for the alleged offender. Strict criteria must be met in order for diversion to be an option.

"We have reviewed our decision against the diversion policy and we are confident we have been entirely consistent with it."

"One of the fundamental requirements of the diversion process is that the offender needs to be able to make an informed admission of guilt"

Inspector Erasmus says under the Police Adult Diversion Policy the defendant had the right to have the decision reviewed. This was done at a district level and later confirmed by Police Prosecution Service, at National Headquarters and the decision stands.

The case is still before the court.

Inspector Erasmus says he has personally spoken today to the owners of the property which was allegedly burgled, and says they are happy with the Police handling of the case to date. "They have advised they are more than happy for the case to proceed to court which is where they believe the matter should be resolved."

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.