Police got wrong riders - Highway 61 members

Police prosecute a group of Highway 61 members after passing them on the Desert Road and chasing them at speed.


Those charged are Athol Tewiata Raika, 53, Owen William Wilkinson, 46, of Porirua, Brian Andrew Thompson, 51, tutor, James Gregory Nelson, 49, labourer, of Paraparaumu, James Eric Hiroki, 46, truck driver, of Palmerston North, Carl Vance Furniss, 53, of Lower Hutt, Peter William Evans, 44, painter, Martin Allan Pinhey, 41, both of Miramar, Anthony James Devitt, 50, of Crofton Downs, Martin William Davies, 53, operator, of Taita, and Frank Berry, 48, of Waikanae

The Highway 61 members protest their innocence by blaming another group of motorcyclists and question the Police charges in identifying them.

Judge James Weir reserved his decision and requested written submissions from defence, and responses by prosecution.

He remanded the defendants on bail for sentencing in January if he found there was a case to answer.

Stuff article can be found here