Today's High Court decision in the case involving Anthony Hewison is a wake-up call for the Police, National's Police
spokesman Tony Ryall, said today.
Mr Hewison, a former gang member who fled to Australia after informing on other gang members, won his case against
police for breaching a binding deal to relocate him in Australia with a new identity.
"If informants don't think the Police will keep their end of the bargain, then they won't tell them anything. If that
happens then law enforcement will suffer," Mr Ryall said.
"Informants play a key role in the fight against gang crime. The gangs in New Zealand control the illegal drug trade.
For the Police to crack this they need information. Today's ruling shows the justice system will ensure confidence in
the witness protection programme," Tony Ryall said.
Ends