30 May 2007

Mercury Energy Should Be Charged With Murder

New Zealand First deputy leader and energy spokesperson Peter Brown has said if it is half true that a contractor engaged by Mercury Energy went along and cut off the power from a woman’s residence resulting in her death, despite protestations that it was essential she was hooked up to an oxygen machine, a charge should be laid against those responsible.

"This was a despicable act and it was possibly the principal cause of the woman’s death. For senior executives not to be made aware of the circumstances before the power was cut off makes it so much worse.

"I would urge the police to investigate this issue, determine carefully whether the “cut off” contributed to her death, and if so consider laying a charge of murder or manslaughter against those who should be responsible.

"Nobody, repeat nobody, in this country should die because they have not paid their power bill,” concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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