Lunchtime news wrap: Monday December 3, 2012

  • Breaking
  • 02/12/2012

The CTV inquest continues, Judith Collins seeks legal advice on possible compensation for David Bain, and John Key tests his survival instincts with Bear Grylls. Here is your lunchtime news wrap – bite-sized updates of local and international news delivered fresh every afternoon.

CTV victim’s husband relives horror

A coroner’s inquest has resumed into the deaths at the CTV building in the February 2011 earthquake. The inquest focuses on the eight people who survived the building’s collapse, but died when rescue workers failed to find them. They included Tamara Cvetanova, who was in cellphone contact with her husband Alex for hours after the quake. Mr Cvetanova has told the hearing there was no organised rescue effort at the CTV site. The inquest will continue until Friday.

Charge upgraded to murder in Rotorua woman’s appearance

A 44-year-old woman has been charged with murdering Michelle Hoffman-Tamm, who disappeared after leaving home to visit a friend on November 7. Gwenda Sloane was initially charged with assaulting Ms Hoffman-Tamm, whose body was found near Murupara two weeks later. Sloane has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment.

Judith Collins ‘concerned’ about Bain compo report

Justice Minister Judith Collins is seeking further legal advice about a report into David Bain’s compensation claim. The report was compiled by retired Candian Supreme Court judge Ian Binnie after he interviewed Mr Bain. Prime Minister John Key says he believes it contains a recommendation Ms Collins doesn’t agree with, or has concerns about. Ms Collins was expected to make a decision on compensation before Christmas, but that’s now unlikely to happen until next year.

Japan tunnel rescue continues

Rescuers have begun pulling bodies from the Japanese highway tunnel which collapsed in the weekend. At least nine people have been confirmed dead after 150 concrete panels fell from the tunnel’s roof, crushing vehicles and triggering a fire that hindered rescue efforts. The rescue was also made more difficult by the fact the collapse happened 1.7km into the 4.7km tunnel.

China’s lone highway house demolished

It’s the end of the road for the house that stood in the middle of a Chinese highway as a lone protest against authorities. The house became a symbol of resistance after duck farmer Luo Baogen refused to allow officials to demolish it to make way for their highway. Mr Luo said he was offered unfair compensation, but the house was bulldozed in the weekend after he reportedly accepted an offer of more money.

Odd bite: John Key eats bugs with Bear Grylls

Prime Minister John Key dined on live insects with renowned adventurer Bear Grylls last night. Mr Key joined Grylls on stage at his Auckland show, and seemed to enjoy eating the creepy crawlies. He put his hand out for seconds, much to the delight of the crowd. Watch the video here.

3 News

source: newshub archive