A High Court trial has been put off after it was revealed Child, Youth and Family failed to hand over hundreds of documents to police.
Justice Paul Heath stood down the jury of the sex-abuse case, after it came to light 300 documents weren't handed over, the New Zealand Herald reports. The trial had been running for three days when it was called to a halt.
The trial involved a 61-year-old man charged with 42 counts of physically and sexually abusing two girls between 1994 and 2003.
In a statement, the Ministry of Social Development said it was investigating the matter and plans to explain to the courts why the papers weren't provided.
Justice Heath emphasised "the need for candour" by Child, Youth and Family in handing over all information relevant to the case, the Herald reports.
"I can tell you that there are quite a few documents that are very relevant to fair-trial considerations, and that arises not only from the point of view of the defence but also from the point of view of the Crown," said Justice Heath.
The trial is unlikely to be heard again this year.
3 News / RadioLIVE
source: newshub archive
