|
|
Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
|
A woman who sparked a manhunt
after claiming she was attacked by a hooded stranger while jogging through a
northern Christchurch park has been discharged by a judge after completing
the police diversion scheme. In the Christchurch District Court
yesterday, police withdrew a charge of making a false complaint. The woman,
47, was granted permanent name suppression by Judge Oke Blaikie. Police started a manhunt after the
woman claimed she was stabbed while jogging in the Styx Mill Reserve. They
spent more than 2000 man-hours investigating the claims. The woman was taken to
Christchurch Hospital with wounds to her abdomen and hands. About 50 officers
and a helicopter scoured the Styx area, but no trace of an attacker was
found. At an earlier hearing, the judge
accepted that the woman's health had declined to the point it was a
significant factor in the events. He said a medical report described a
debilitating illness and acute stress factors. Yesterday, Sergeant Paul Brocas
said police did not oppose applications to withdraw the charge and for final
name suppression. The judge said the woman had a
"horrific" experience. |
