Authorities worried about offender’s no-show
A 20-year-old has been missing for days ahead of his sentencing on charge of assaulting a sex worker with intent to rob her and the authorities are worried about him.
Christchurch District Court Judge Jane Farish has issued an arrest warrant, at the Crown’s request, for Connor Steven James Galloway.
The kitchen hand pleaded guilty on October 3 and was remanded on bail for sentence, but he did not turn up for the scheduled Crown sentencing session yesterday.
His defence counsel Paul Johnson told the court: “I have been in contact with Mr Galloway’s father, and he has been missing for several days.”
“That’s not good,” said Judge Farish. “Given the material in the pre-sentence report and the psychiatric report, that’s quite concerning.”
Galloway was arrested a few days after an attack on a sex worker in Cambridge Green, a small park near the intersection of Barbadoes and Salisbury Streets, about 2.15am on May 2.
He was arrested after police issued a security camera photograph of him. The sex worker received minor injuries.
Police did not oppose bail but Galloway remained in custody for several days while a suitable bail address was arranged.
He was originally charged with assault with intent to commit sexual violation, but the Crown later agreed to alter the charge to assault with intent to commit robbery, and Galloway then pleaded guilty.
Judge Farish noted that the victim was in court for the sentencing.
She explained to her: “Unfortunately, he has not appeared and he is missing. That is unfortunate for you and also of concern, given the material that is in the psychiatric report.
“I’ll issue a warrant for his arrest. When he is located, given the seriousness of the charge, he will be remanded in custody until sentencing.”
Category: Focus
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