Wednesday 17 July 2002

“The decision of the Police yesterday to withdraw charges of murder and manslaughter against three Palmerston North Mongrel Mob members for the slaying of 16 year old Wallace Whatuira, highlights spectacularly why New Zealand First’s resolve to tighten up bail laws and elevate jury or witness intimidation to ‘serious crime’ status carrying a minimum 10 year (without remission) sentence, is urgently required,” said New Zealand First Leader and Member for Tauranga Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“For the Crown witness, upon whom the prosecution were relying for evidence as to the identity of the killers to suddenly have serious memory difficulties, after having positively identified them earlier, calls into question the whole judicial administration process and risks the introduction of anarchy through the threat or fear of violence by criminals against witnesses.

I am today giving fair warning to gangs and thugs throughout New Zealand, savour your bragging and violent ways while you can because come 27 July, New Zealand First intends to unleash upon you the full weight and authority of the law and the social agencies upon whom you depend, to deal to you in the most rigorous manner and have you cease your anti social barbaric behaviour forthwith”, concluded Mr Peters.

ENDS

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