Police describe arrest of farmer for making threats

Oxford farmer Mark Stafford Feary told the police officer who arrested him for making threats to the Prime Minister and government officials by fax and letter that he had not expected it to happen so soon.

Detective Dion Murray, the officer in charge of the case, told of going to Feary’s farm on February 26, 2009, the same month when the crown is alleging the threats were made.

In answer to almost all questions, 53-year-old Feary replied: “I reserve my right to silence.”

During the drive to the Rangiora Police Station, Mr Murray asked Feary how he felt about being arrested because he seemed pretty calm about it.

“It was to be expected,” Feary replied. “Just not so early.”

Asked what he meant, Feary then replied that he had not expected to be arrested until the following Wednesday because that was when he said he would next be available.

The second morning of Feary’s trial was caught up with details of the phone records and details of 12 faxes that the crown is alleging were sent from the fax machine and phone number at Feary’s office, making threats to a range of government officials.

Further evidence was then to be heard from a fingerprint expert and a handwriting expert.

Cross-examined by Feary, who is representing himself at the trial, Mr Murray told of asking, “What did you plan to do to carry out the threats of grievous bodily harm?”

He said Feary’s reply was once again: “I reserve my right to silence.”

Feary denies charges of sending threats to cause grievous bodily harm to the Prime Minister, Solicitor-General, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Commissioner of Police, Minister of Police, Minister of Justice, Attorney-General, Leader of the Maori Party, Leader of ACT, and the Leader of the United Future Party, and two charges of threatening to kill the Prime Minister.

The trial is continuing with Christchurch District Court Judge Raoul Neave and a jury.