Two a penny

.

South Auckland police are hunting a suspected serial paedophile sex offender who has already attacked two young girls. . The attacks started early last month.

Detective Senior Sergeant, Daryl Harper said he had concerns “for the escalating nature and frequency of offending.

The Mangere CIB and Child Abuse Team Detectives are leading the hunt and say the attacks all happened around a walkway between Cape Road and Mascot Avenue in Mangere.

In the first attack on Tuesday September 8, about 2.”

Police are urging parents to walk with their children to and from school in the area.45pm, the man dragged a 12-year-old girl to the ground and indecently assaulted her, said Mr Harper.

The eight-year-old was attacked while her younger sister screamed for help.

Then on Monday October 19 he attacked an 8-year-old girl and her 6-year old sister as they went home from School on the same walkway.

He saw a man and chased him into a close toby park where he lost him. The girls’ father heard the cries and ran into the walkway.

The attacker grabbed her top.

In the last attack, on Thursday October 22 a 28-year-old mother was pushing her son in a pram in the walkway. She punched him and he ran off. She punched him and he ran off.5ft high.

The offender is described as Polynesian man aged 18-20 years, 5.

. On one occasion he wore a dark green hoodie sweat shirt and dark jeans on another he wore a black baseball cap, white hooded sweat shirt with a black or dark collar

.

Police want to hear from anyone who sees unexplained damage on a four-wheel-drive vehicle with bull bars following an incident which left a Tokoroa teen in hospital. .

Detective Sergeant Kevan Verry said it appeared the incident happened after an altercation in the centre of the Waikato township between two groups.30am yesterday.

It was not known if the vehicle had sustained any damage in the incident.

Police were treating the incident as a serious assault.

The scene examination had been completed and several witnesses spoken to.

“If any person knows of someone who drives or owns a vehicle of this type that has some unexplained damage, they are urged to contact police,” Mr Verry said.

.

The teenager remains in a critical condition in Waikato Hospital

.

A jealous lover was today jailed for a claw hammer attack on a man who he believed to be his ex-girlfriend’s new partner.

Trevor William Grindrod, 34, was sentenced at the High Court in Wellington to seven years and nine months imprisonment.

The man barricaded himself in the bedroom and told Grindrod he had called the police, “but you were not to be denied,” attacking him with the claw hammer, Justice Gendall said.

Justice Warwick Gendall said that six weeks after Grindrod split with his girlfriend, he visited her house uninvited and saw her with a workmate, “you thought, in a mildly amorous situation”.

“You were fortunate you did not kill the complainant.

“This was an unprovoked, prolonged, gratuitous attack with a lethal weapon,” Justice Gendall said.

He smashed his way into the property through a window, broke through the bedroom door and began hitting the man in the head and body with the hammer, adding punches and kicks.”

Crown prosecutor Kate Feltham said Grindrod walked from Wainuiomata to the workmate’s Lower Hutt house, “picking up” the hammer on the way.

Grindrod told police he was trying to kill the man and was initially charged with attempted murder.

The attack spilled into the bathroom where Grindrod ripped a vanity from the wall and attempted to beat his victim with it.

His victim suffered numerous injuries including a broken nose, but after months of physiotherapy escaped long term physical damage.

This was later reduced to injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“You are a violent man with a low anger threshold and when slighted by others, or you think you are, you attack.

Justice Gendall noted Grindrod had 20 previous convictions, four of which were for assault and included two attacks on children between late 2007 and early 2008.”

A starting point of 10 1/2 years jail was given, but Grindrod was given a “generous discount” of one-third for his early guilty pleas.”

He said Grindrod had attended an anger management course, “but it appears to have had little effect.

Grindrod was also sentenced to five years for aggravated burglary and two years for grievous damage, to be served concurrently, and ordered to pay $3269 in reparation for property damage on his release. A further nine months was added in light of his previous convictions.

.

Justice Gendall said Grindrod was fortunate the crown had not sought a minimum jail period

.

A plane flying from Great Barrier Island to Auckland with around 11 people on board was forced to turn back yesterday when one of its propellers broke apart shortly after take-off.

Traffic Accident Investigation Commission chief investigator Tim Burfoot said they knew very little about the incident involving the Great Barrier Airlines plane but an investigator had been sent to the island.

He said the rear-propeller of the tri-engine plane, believed to be a Britten Norman Trilander, had broken apart and either one or both blades had detached themselves from the rear engine’s propeller hub mid-flight.

Mr Burfoot said pilots were trained to handle such situations and it was standard practice for planes to find a suitable spot for an emergency landing.

“The plane made a successful return and nobody was injured,” he said.”

It was unclear what damage there was to the plane.

“The plane had three engines, that particular plane, so they obviously would have lost one and [the pilot] would have shut that down when it happened and he would have had the other two.

The investigation was expected to take several days. .

Great Barrier Island fire and police said they were not aware of the incident.

– By Michael Field and Clio Francis,

.

The Rimutaka Hill Road north of Wellington was open early tonight after being closed because of snow but may close again later tonight.

NZ Transport Agency highways manager for Wellington, Rob Whight said the agency’s contractor was clearing a further dusting of snow this evening, but there was potential for the road to close overnight.

Freezing weather has hit much of the country today.

If the road had to be closed overnight it would be reopened in time for morning traffic between the Wairarapa and Wellington, unless conditions were too bad.

New Zealand Transport Agency operating manager David Bates told Radio New Zealand there was a lot of ice and snow about, especially around Dunedin.

State Highway 87 in the South Island was also closed because of the chilly conditions.”

The agency was also urging caution on the Desert Rd, State Highway 1 between Waiouru and Turangi in the Central North Island, where up to 5cm of snow was expected on the road.

”This evening the problem’s going to be ice and we’re recommending in Dunedin and areas around Dunedin people don’t go out unless it’s absolutely essential.

Heavy snow falls in Dunedin caused a number of accidents and closed roads in and out of the city.

Snow, black ice and sleet caused traffic chaos in and around the hills of Dunedin earlier today.

Sergeant Ed Baker said Dunedin’s roads had quietened down this afternoon once people realised they shouldn’t be driving around in such conditions.

Schools were also closed because buses could not take students to school.

It had been so busy police were not attending minor accidents where cars slid off the road.

The Kilmog Hill, on SH1 north of Dunedin, was close to reopening but flurries of snow threatened to keep it closed, he said.

Snow also closed Dunedin Airport earlier today, cancelling a total of 10 flights and the travel plans of 480 people. There had been no serious injury accidents, he said.40am.

However, the snow cleared and flights were able to leave from 10. .

Dunedin Airport was only rarely closed because of snow, said Air New Zealand airport manager Alistair Bevin.

For the rest of Otago, Southland and Fiordland there would be snow to close to sea level, with snow levels rising.

Snow showers would clear by evening for a frosty night but it would be fine tomorrow for north and Central Otago.

–

– Next National story: –
Court dismisses Gardner’s appeal

– National Homepage –

.

Snow showers were forecast for Porters Pass, Lindis Pass and the Milford Road in the South Island

.
Attacker asks victim not to call police

Saturday, 21 February 2009

A manwho broke into a Porirua home, pinned a woman to her bed and punched her repeatedly, apologised and asked her not to call police before fleeing.
The attack happened as the woman, in her 40s, was preparing for bed in her Whitby home about 11.15pm on Wednesday. "The first thing that went through my mind was: `this is not a burglary, he's going to rape me'.
The woman had just come out of an ensuite bathroom and saw the man come out of her walk-in wardrobe."
In a frenzy she lashed out with her arms and legs but the intruder managed to throw her on the bed, punching her repeatedly on the face and covering her mouth to stifle the screams.
"But I wasn't going to let that happen, I was going to fight.
"He was covering my mouth and nose as well."
But the woman kept fighting, punching his head and body and pulling down the clothing he used to cover the lower part of his face. For a couple of seconds I thought, `My God, I'm going to suffocate'. He repeated "sorry, sorry" before leaving the house.
The man soon stopped, apologising to her, saying he was doing a "job" for someone but had got the wrong address.
"The whole experience still feels so surreal, but he had no right.
The woman received medical treatment for cuts and bruises and, though she said one side of her face looked ghastly, she was just thankful things had not been worse. And I'm very worried that he will do it again to someone else. And I'm very worried that he will do it again to someone else.
The man is described as dark skinned, clean shaven, of medium build and about 1. He believed the man got into the house through an unlocked door. He was possibly wearing a dark top.75 metres (5ft 7in) tall.

.
Police would like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious persons or vehicles around Staithes Drive North in Whitby on the night of the attack, or from anyone who has had anything similar happen to them

.
Chch mayor vows to give away pay rise

By JO McKENZIE-McLEAN – Tuesday, 27 January 2009

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker plans to donate the pay rise he receives this year to charity or a community project.
Parker will get a $5032 salary increase from July a 3.
The total salary pool for other elected members, including councillors and community board members, would increase by $51,000, he said, and the council would meet in March to decide how the pool should be allocated.2 per cent rise.
However, he "would not feel comfortable taking it in light of the current economic situation" and Prime Minister John Key's call for restraint on salaries for MPs.
Parker cannot refuse the increase, which is set by the Remuneration Authority. It's not about the money; it's about doing a good job for residents to ensure the future of our wonderful city," Parker said.
"Being mayor of this city is a job I love."
Councillors contacted last night thought Parker's actions were noble but most were non-committal over whether they would follow suit.
"Although the increase is beyond my control, I can ensure that the extra dollars paid to me can be returned to the community and put to good use.
"I think it's noble of the mayor to make such a gesture, but our increase would not be of the same magnitude, I would have thought.
"We could look at it, but I am not aware of the pay increase," Deputy Mayor Norm Withers said. But in principle, good on him.
"I would rather wait and sit down as a group of elected members before commenting.
Parker said he was not trying to "preach" to others about donating pay increases."
Councillor Sally Buck said that while she was not aware of councillors getting a pay increase, she would be happy to donate hers to charity. Everyone's circumstances are different," he said.
"It's up to every individual. I think it would be inappropriate for someone like that.
"Mayors on smaller councils don't get paid, in my view, a great deal of money compared with the workload, the pressure and all of those issues they have to carry.
MPs received pay rises of between 3."
Key last week called for a freeze on MPs' pay. .8 per cent and 4.
Parker has also asked staff to re-evaluate Sister City engagements this year that would see him travelling overseas at ratepayers' expense.
Parker has also asked staff to re-evaluate Sister City engagements this year that would see him travelling overseas at ratepayers' expense.

.
Woman hit as truck wheel gate-crashes cafe

– Monday, 05 January 2009

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON
INVESTIGATION: Constable Aaron Reid talks to cafe patron Carol Baxter close to the runaway wheel.

A woman was flown to hospital after a freak accident in which a wheel came loose from a passing truck, bounded across a carpark and slammed into a crowded cafe on Banks Peninsula.
The wheel hit between two large windows, bowing in the wall and smashing the windows into the cafe.
The waist-high wheel, weighing between 30kg and 40kg, struck the Blue Duck Cafe on State Highway 75 to Akaroa after it fell off a trailer carrying a large boat used for fishing charters yesterday.
A 57-year-old woman in the cafe, Denise Wilson, was knocked to the ground by the force of the impact and lay motionless among the shattered glass with chest injuries.
Police said that had the wheel hit the window and entered the cafe, the accident would have been disastrous. .
She was taken to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, where she was found to have minor injuries."
The wheel hit with a "huge explosion", Baxter said.
"I froze and all I could say was, `Oh my God, my God, my God'.
"If it had come through the window, it would have killed her.
Moments earlier she saw Wilson standing close to where the wheel hit. It had come off the trailer, across the bend, missed a tree and a fence and then hit between the two panes of glass, Hanson said."
John Hanson, a friend of Wilson's who was in the cafe with them, said the tyre hitting the cafe was a "one-in-a-million shot".
McWhinnie said he glanced up and saw a "black thing" bounce off the road.
Akaroa Senior Constable Steve Ditmer was standing outside the cafe talking to motorcyclist Bob McWhinnie when the wheel hit."
Ditmer said the incident was "an absolute freak of a thing".
"Next thing, there was a mighty explosion like a bomb.
The truck's owner, Roger Withell, said it was an "unfortunate accident"
He said he was glad the injured woman was not seriously hurt and would be "getting the windows fixed".
The wheel, on top of another wheel on the trailer, had been secured but had come loose at some stage of the journey from Duvauchelle, he said.

.
Ditmer said the investigation into the incident was continuing and it was not yet known if charges would be laid

.
Scared cat causes jail stabbing

Friday, 02 January 2009

A convictedrapist and murderer nearing the end of his prison sentence stabbed a fellow inmate six times in the neck for scaring his cat.
The Boxing Day attack was sparked after a prisoner entered the living room he shared with another man in Wellington's Rimutaka Prison, startling a feral cat the pair had befriended. . The man would have been killed if a third prisoner had not stepped in, Corrections Association president Beven Hanlon said.
The cat scampered away when the prisoner entered the room."
It is understood the attacker was in prison for rape and murder.
"That prisoner is lucky to be alive.
Corrections acting southern assistant regional manager Tony Howe confirmed there had been an attack with a "makeshift weapon" during a dispute over a feral cat the prisoners had befriended.
His attacker is now in a high-security area.
The injured prisoner was taken to Hutt Hospital under escort but returned to Rimutaka on December 28.
Violence in the self-care unit was rare.
Police are investigating, and Mr Howe said Corrections would begin its own investigation.

.
Unsettled weather for Christmas Day

By MICHAEL FOX – Monday, 22 December 2008

Kiwis hoping to bask in sunshine on Christmas Day are being warned the weather might not come to the party. .
MetService spokesperson Bob McDavitt said the outlook for Christmas Day remained uncertain.
"While it's unlikely to be windy in most places, it may not be all that settled.
"It all depends on how quickly this depression heads towards the Chathams," he said."
The forecast is likely to be good news for farmers in parts of the country, he said. We will have a clearer idea on Tuesday.
"The coast between Napier and Gisborne is now the driest part of New Zealand, with Gisborne airport reporting only 14mm so far this month and Napier airport 16mm."