Decision pending: Will shot at police names be revealed?

  • 13/07/2016
Decision pending: Will shot at police names be revealed?

By Heather McCarron

A Rotorua judge will decide by the end of next week if the names of five officers shot at during a siege near Kawerau should be made public.

Rhys Warren pleaded not guilty to all charges after four officers were injured during the 22-hour standoff in March.

Lawyer representing media Robert Stewart today argued that the identities of the officers are of public interest – and that their bravery deserves to be recognised.

But they don’t want their names made public, and their Crown lawyer claims doing so would cause them undue hardship.

Anna Pollock told the court the officers are already dealing with the trauma of the event, and they don’t need unwanted media or public attention.

But Mr Stewart pointed out that no expert medical evidence has been produced to show that revealing their names would be detrimental to their recoveries.

Justice Brewer reserved his decision.

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