Dismissal Of Private Prosecution Good For New Zealand
“The decision by the JP’s in New Plymouth to dismiss the private prosecution for murder against Constable A was a victory not only for Constable A and his family, not only for the Police but also middle New Zealand,” said Greg O’Connor, President of the NZ Police Association, today.
Mr O’Connor said it was clear from the beginning that Constable A took the only option available to him on that Sunday morning in Waitara and the decision by the JP’s has confirmed the decisions of the Solicitor General and the Commissioner of Police.
“Had this charge gone to Trial then it would have meant that every Police Officer forced into the same situation in future would likely have faced a similar charge,” said Mr O’Connor.
“The injustice visited upon Constable A by having to face these murder charges has at least been in some way re-dressed by this decision today,” he said.
Mr O’Connor said that the Police Association had always fully supported the actions of Constable A, B & C in this situation and the Association will continue to support the actions of any Police Officer who is doing his or her duty and protecting the people of New Zealand.
“Constable A is grateful for the support he has received from many parts of New Zealand and now looks forward to resuming a normal life,” Mr O’Connor concluded.
