Police tried to argue Syd Te Rata’s rugby league jersey was Mongrel Mob insignia, but when the case came to court there was no evidence provided to support that.
Five months after gang member Syd Te Rata got his Mongrel Mob patch back from police, he was captured on CCTV at a Wellington petrol station wearing a rugby league jersey.
The black, red and white rugby league jersey had the name “Lower North Bulldogs” on the front, with two small bulldog emblems on the front and back.
Police claimed the jersey breached the legislation that prohibits the display of gang patches and insignia in public places and charged him.
But, when the case was called in court last week no evidence was offered up to support that.
Now Te Rata’s lawyer has described the prosecution as “stupid”, “straight out bullying” and “oppressive conduct” by police.
RNZ
Face of the Day
Police claimed the jersey breached the legislation that prohibits the display of gang patches and insignia in public places and charged him. But, when the case was called in court last week no evidence was offered up to support that.
Related
Face of the Day
Gifford became one of the country’s most recognisable sporting voices, but for generations of Christchurch listeners he was equally well known as one half of a hugely successful radio partnership with Simon Barnett.
Face of the Day
His whānau described Rurawhe as a pillar of their family and acknowledged his deep connection to the Rātana faith and its legacy.
Face of the Day
“Barbara Edmonds will be the minister of finance. She is the best qualified person in parliament to be the minister of finance. That is a bottom line. It’s not negotiable” – Hipkins
Face of the Day
“It is a dense economic document, but John Key is a very smart man, so I encourage him to give it a read” – Nicola Willis
Latest
Apparently, the Jews Don’t Need to Be Asked
The next time a Star of David appears alongside one of the oldest antisemitic stereotypes in existence, here is a radical suggestion for the media: Ask a Jew.
They Just Can’t Help Themselves
Fake news tries to muddy the waters on attempted hijacking.
From Major to Middling
Economic credibility is hard to earn. Once lost, it is even harder to regain. Compare the PREFU with what was promised and it is easy to see why 44 per cent of us no longer have confidence in either of the two middling parties.