The Star: October 10, 2019

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The Star Thursday October 10 2019 4 NEWS Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Victim’s online bid for justice •From page 1 “There was a lot of hate and then the post was deleted by admin,” she said. “In amongst the hate, however, I did also get 17 messages from people who were concerned and missed the post before it was deleted. They wanted to know how to be able to protect their kids and felt that information should be publicly allowed.” Last month, Marie’s abuser, Donald Louden Ritchie, was sentenced to seven months home detention. He was not required to register as a sex offender after he was deemed ‘low-risk.’ Jess McVicar Said Marie: “People would rather not know. People are just living in wilful ignorance, they don’t want to accept their children might not be safe. If people aren’t prepared to accept it, how are we going to stop this happening?” She had suffered years of depression and anxiety, which she now understands are symptoms of her post-traumatic stress disorder. She decided to make a formal complaint against the man to prove to her two children it is okay to speak up. “I wanted to show them I am a good model and that it’s okay to speak out.” When she was 10-years-old, the man, a family friend who her parents had met at church, temporarily moved into her family home. “He was often left to take care of us kids. He groomed us, then he took liberties, this is how they do it.” The abuse then continued for two more years. “He was so confident, but that was all part of the grooming. It started with back rubs and shoulder rubs, which was really normal in my close family. But then one time it went too far. I felt so overwhelmed, so scared it was my fault.” “I was complicit. I didn’t share what was happening out of fear, I couldn’t talk about it. I knew what was happening was wrong. Before you know it, it’s gone too far. I felt so embarrassed.” Sensible Sentencing Trust spokeswoman Jess McVicar said recent sentencing for sexual offending has been “appalling.” “Sex offending used to be considered as a serious offence. We now have a status-quo in our justice system that this is no longer the case,” Miss McVicar said. “Between June 2017 to June 2018, there were 408 home detention sentences given for sexual offending.” However, Miss McVicar said while she agrees with Marie trying to warn the community and naming him, posting his address online may be risky. “Unfortunately the risk she takes with this is the offender can officially make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner against her. We wouldn’t agree about posting the address, as we would never want it to go to the extreme of someone taking matters into their own hands or doing a witch hunt.” Netsafe chief executive Martin Cocker said online digital content which causes harm can result in prosecutions under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015. “On the surface, this could be treated as harmful digital communication under the Act. However, when put to the test, it is unlikely it would result in an offence given the nature of the circumstances,” he said. “The law applies online, as it would with anywhere else. If you apply unnecessary risk to an individual, you could absorb that liability, like in any other sphere. “We would encourage people to allow legal institutions to do their job and not to take action in defiance of that,” Mr Cocker said. •Marie is not the victim’s real name. DANGER: The moment when two police officers apprehended the alleged shooter on Brougham St. Alleged gunman not washing in prison •From page 1 In a surprise move last week, Mr Tait withdrew an application to move the trial out of Christchurch. He had earlier applied to have the trial, set down for June next year, taken out of the city. Moving the trial out of Christchurch would have been a major logistical challenge for the courts system, with the many witnesses expected to be called to give evidence. The cost of moving the trial had been budgeted in the millions. Re-elect Lianne Dalziel Christchurch Mayor “I love Christchurch and am confident about our future. With my experience and inclusive style of leadership, we can tackle any challenges that lie ahead, while seizing every opportunity that comes our way. Together, we will build a legacy for generations to come.” lianne.co.nz Remember to Vote Ballot papers must be returned by 12.00 noon, Saturday to be counted! Authorised by A. Campbell, c/- Lvl 1/394 Riccarton Rd, Chch Best for Christchurch
DAIRY FARM worker Tony Waldron was killed with a blunt instrument, it can be revealed. Police initially thought the 29-year-old, who was found dead in his home near Rakaia on September 18, had been shot in the head. A 26-year-old Christchurch kitchen hand has been charged with Mr Waldron’s murder. He has been remanded in custody and will reappear at the High Court on October 21. The Star understands police are also investigating if other people were involved in Mr Waldron’s death. Head of the inquiry Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Quested would not comment on the murder weapon or whether other people were a focus of their inquiries. “I won’t be releasing any of those details because the matter is before the courts,” he said. Police divers have searched an irrigation pond on a farm near Rakaia and the Selwyn River for the murder weapon. A house in Hoani St, Papanui, was also searched. Mr Waldron was living alone at the time of his death. His wife, Alana, and their two daughters had recently moved out of the three-bedroom farm house. His body was found by a coworker who went looking for him when he did not show up for work. Mr Waldron lived and worked on a dairy farm owned by Dairy Holdings Ltd. Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Farm worker bashed CRIME SCENE: A forensic team at the Rakaia property where Tony Waldron (right) was found dead. PHOTO: JOHN KEAST A FORMER prison guard charged with the murder of missing man Michael McGrath will be held in a jail outside of Christchurch for his own safety. David Benbow, 51, is in custody awaiting his next court appearance on October 18 after being charged with the murder of Mr McGrath, whose body has never been found. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Benbow was a prison officer at Christchurch Prison when Mr McGrath went missing. Mr McGrath, a 49-year-old builder, vanished from his Halswell home on May 21, 2017, leaving behind his 1994 Subaru Legacy car and bicycle. Benbow and Mr McGrath had known each other for many years. Benbow’s Halswell property became a key focus of the police investigation. Benbow was stood down from his duties at Christchurch Prison because of the police investigation, and later resigned. When he appeared in court last week, his occupation was listed as a technician. A Department of Corrections spokesperson said it could not comment on where Benbow Thursday October 10 2019 The Star NEWS 5 Security concerns for murder accused David Benbow Michael McGrath would be held for privacy reasons. “Safety is our top priority. Corrections has a duty of care to prisoners, and must keep them safe from harm. We have policies and operational procedures in place to support the safe, secure and humane management of all prisoners,” the spokesperson said. Canterbury University professor and crime expert Greg Newbold said Benbow would be at “incredibly high risk of a serious and constant assault” if he stayed at Christchurch Men’s Prison. “He is a former prison officer and that would be why he would not be able to live with the inmates because he would have been locking them up, he would be in big trouble there,” he said. Get your EQ repairs checked, before it’s too late. Onsold or original owner, time is running out Sign up with us for a free foundation report. Claims Resolution Service (2015) Limited Ph: 03 377 8855 | 130 Ferry Road, Christchurch E: info@earthquakeservices.co.nz | W: www.earthquakeservices.co.nz NO WIN NO FEE
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The Star: October 10, 2019

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