Miracle Cancer Drug Announcement – Bob McNeil – Naenae Hit And Run – Kidnapping – Fishing Sinking – Auckland Bus Driver Sentencing – Colin McLean Sentencing – Nelson Water – Tomatoes - Telecom

MIRACLE CANCER DRUG ANNOUNCEMENT: There was a medical announcement today that cancer sufferers all around the world have been waiting for. A new “wonder pill” that may revolutionise cancer treatment. For patients with Leukeamia this is a major step forward, says a doctor involved in NZ trials of the drug (Glevic – proununced). The big networks in the US are calling it a “Major Breakthrough” despite usually being very cautious about such stories. The US Government is also getting involved in the hype. A woman here who was part of the trials is pretty pleased it happened to her too. She used the drug in the year 2000 on her Leukeamia. The drug will cost around $26,000 a year in the US. There are hopes that it will be available in NZ towards the end of next year.

BOB MCNEIL: The new drug is so special because it attacks only the cancer cells. It leaves other cancers alone. There is a gathering this weekend of cancer specialists to discuss use with other cancers. The cost in the US is expensive. We do not know what the cost will be here. The Americans gave the thumbs up today. We are trying to hurry up availability here but probably not till early next year.

NAENAE HIT AND RUN: Police are seeking the drivers of two cars that are now thought to have both hit a woman, killing her in Naenae, Lower Hutt. A grieving family is asking why. The woman had two kids. They do not know what is going on says the 35-year-old woman’s brother, calling for the women to come out. The woman may have been hit by both cars. Police believe one vehicle was a white Celica. The other was also thought to be a Japanese car. The car is not well lit at night. Police are urging the people involved to come forward.

KIDNAPPING: Armed offender callout in relation to kidnapping. Suspect seen in several places on the North shore.

FISHING SINKING: A fishing boat has sunk on the West Coast. A 50-year-old skipper is missing,

AUCKLAND BUS DRIVER SENTENCING: On the anniversary of Matthew Taylor’s death the bus driver who ran him over is sentenced. He will receive 4 months PD. Pay $2500 to the family and have a one year disqualification from driving. The family are not satisfied with the sentence. The Taylor family say they are not sure if they will take up the offer of a meeting with the driver, offered by the driver’s lawyer during sentencing. Stagecoach are not admitting any “legal” responsibility for the accident, but say they have made changes as a result of the death. C

COLIN MCLEAN SENTENCING: Policeman rapist Colin McLean was today jailed for five years . Colin McLean also learned he had had his PERF application declined. McLean was accused of forcing a woman to have sex with him in 1997. He denies the rape. McLean has grown a beard. He relaxed visibly on hearing the sentence. The rape was not aggravated the judge said, and he faces an unpleasant term in jail because he is a policeman. He had also lost his career. As he was broke compensation to his victim was not an option. McLean’s lawyer is considering an appeal. Recently his salary was stopped.

NELSON WATER: All 40,000 residents of Nelson – and their visitors - are being ordered to boil water as their water supply has been declared unsafe.

TOMATOES: Dearer food prices shown in stats. Tomato shortage has seen prices rise particularly high recently, but prices are expected to come down.

TELECOM: Telecom announced two major deals today and declared a healthy nine month profit figure. The Southern Cross Cable dividend has been particularly good for the company in its latest result. The company also announced a deal with Microsoft on an XtraMSN portal. Telecom also announced toll calls were rounded up. Following today’s news Telecom’s shares closed up.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

CONTACT ALASTAIR THOMPSON

• Mobile - 021707044
• Twitter - @althecat
• Google+

• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Email - alastair@scoop.co.nz