Apology may follow WINZ firearm threats
Mitchell Shane Moulton wants to meet and apologise to the Work and Income staff he upset with his armed threats outside the department’s Linwood office last year.
The 33-year-old Aranui man, remains in custody while the meeting with the victims is arranged.
His sentencing was set for the Christchurch District Court today but Judge Paul Kellar has now put it off until May 4 after receiving a request from Restorative Justice Services.
Moulton was arrested after an incident on October 6 when he tried to get inside the Linwood office after going there with a firearm.
He could not get in but threatened staff, including security, before fleeing in his car.
Police, including the Armed Offenders’ Squad, found Moulton and stopped his car in Ferry Road about 30min after the incident. Moulton ran off but was caught and charged.
No-one was injured in the incidents.
He has admitted charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, causing danger by discharging a firearm in Aldwins Road, threatening to kill Work and Income staff, possession of cannabis, and driving while suspended.
Defence counsel Donald Matthews told the court that Restorative Justice Services had contacted Moulton and WINZ and both parties were wanting a meeting to take place.
“That has not been able to happen so far,” he said.
The Regional Commissioner of WINZ wanted to be involved personally, said Mr Matthews, but had not been able to fit the meeting into his schedule before the sentencing.
“It is a case where it may be beneficial to both parties,” he said.
Moulton waved to supporters in court when he was taken back into custody for the further remand.
Restorative Justice meetings are a chance for offenders and their victims to meet face to face. It is normal for offenders to offer an apology at these meetings.
Category: News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: