The rule of Christchurch

The Crown will not pursue a retrial for Stephen Ralph Stone, whose convictions were quashed in October. It’s been over 25 years since the “Gone Fishing” double-murder trial, which had already been considered a cold case. Stone was released from prison after the Court of Appeal found a miscarriage of justice, but he remained on bail as the Crown mulled a retrial. The Crown has decided against pursuing a retrial for Stephen Ralph Stone, following...

A man, previously ruled insane after a high-profile killing over 20 years ago, has committed another murder while released under a Community Treatment Order. Justice Karen Grau noted significant failures in the mental health system in relation to this case, which remains largely secretive. The individual was recently found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity for the second time after killing someone he believed was possessed, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding mental health management....

SummaryMissing Wellington 12-year-old William Walmsley has been located and safely returned to his parents. He was last seen in the central city around midnight on Saturday but reached out to a friend the following night, assuring them he was okay. His father, Andrew Walmsley, confirmed that police found William in Lower Hutt around 4pm on Tuesday and brought him home. Full Article

Six months after the 37th America’s Cup concluded, the new cycle has already produced significant off-water storylines. Following Emirates Team New Zealand's victory in Barcelona, the 38th edition has begun with notable events, including the split between Sir Ben Ainslie and Jim Ratcliffe, who has announced plans to launch a second UK team. Despite initial uncertainties regarding Ratcliffe's involvement, Ainslie indicated that Ratcliffe would return as a sponsor for the next campaign, though not fully...

SummaryJudy Atkins, the grieving grandmother of 28-year-old Jessica Moser, addressed Daniel Christopher Powell, the man responsible for her granddaughter's death in a June 2022 truck incident at a Hamilton intersection. She expressed her devastation and described the profound impact of his actions, stating, “You not only killed Jessica, but you destroyed my family,” and revealed that she began taking anxiety medication due to the trauma. Atkins emphasized her indifference to Powell's fate, highlighting the careless...

A woman testified in court about enduring severe abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, including being held underwater, describing the experience as dreamlike and relaxing despite the trauma. The accused, a 43-year-old man, faces 33 charges related to violent assaults and sexual violations involving five alleged victims from 2000 to 2015. The trial is expected to include 17 witnesses over the next three weeks, shedding light on the harrowing experiences of the victims. Full...