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Red zone 'John Doe' presents a problem
Christchurch police are struggling to identify a live ?John Doe? arrested in the red zone.
The man is being held in custody while he refuses to give the police his name or any other information.
He came before the Christchurch District Court at the Rangiora Court House?yesterday afternoon under a charge sheet filled in with the name ?John Doe?.
He is described as a Caucasian male, who has left the police in a dilemma over what to do next.
It is understood the man?s fingerprints do not appear in the police?s database, so it is likely he does not have a criminal record.
Judge Noel Walsh said the man allegedly contravened the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act by breaching the red zone?when he was found in Latimer Square.
When he was brought into court, Judge Walsh told the man he was sure he had met him in court before, but the prisoner just shook his head.
Defence counsel Craig Fletcher said he had given the man the?police?s statement of facts, and he knew what he was being charged with, but did not want his legal assistance.
Judge Walsh then warned the man that the police could also charge him with the offence of failing to provide his details.
The judge made the point that without knowing what the man?s name was, it was possible there could be warrants out for his arrest.
He said the man would be held under the name John Doe until he was more forthcoming about his details or the police found out his identity.
He remanded the man in custody for another appearance on September 27 at the court session that is held three times a week inside the Christchurch Men?s Prison.
