|
Otago Daily Times
July 5, 2003
Reparation ordered over false complaint
NZPA
Napier: A Napier woman who claimed balaclava-clad men broke into her home and
cut her with a knife has been ordered to pay nearly $1000 reparation to
police.
In the Napier District Court yesterday, the 32-year-old was granted final
name suppression when she appeared for sentence after admitting making a
false complaint.
The woman contacted police about 3.10am on June 15 to lay a complaint of
assault.
She claimed three men wearing balaclavas burst into her home looking for her
boyfriend, taking a knife from the kitchen and cutting her across the chest.
The woman also claimed they fled when she hit one over the head with a frying
pan.
She later admitted she caused the cuts herself.
Police spent 16 hours investigating the case and sought $938 reparation.
The woman's lawyer, Scott Jefferson, said she accepted she caused the police
unnecessary work.
Judge Tony Adeane said the case was sad and the private damage by publicising
the woman's name outweighed any public interest.
He convicted the woman and ordered her to come up for sentence if called upon
within 12 months and to pay $938 reparation.
|
