Media Release

For Immediate Release
Monday 26 May 2008

Police Also Disappointed Over Kahui Acquittal

"Police Officers want to see justice for the cruel death of the defenceless twin Kahui babies too," Police Association Vice-President Stuart Mills said today. "We can understand the disappointment the public feel over the acquittal, Police feel the same disappointment."

"The Prosecution's job was to put the evidence gathered, including that of top medical experts and scientists, to a jury. The function of the Defence was to raise doubt, any doubt. We must remember in our judicial system, acquittals do occur, when juries cannot be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt."

Mr Mills went on to say, "Those calling for an inquiry into the police investigations of the George Gwaze and Chris Kahui cases, should remember that police laid charges in consultation and after advice from the Crown Solicitor's Office, once the evidence had been reviewed."

"Police do not decide whether a High Court trial should take place and both cases went through a deposition hearing, which found there were cases to be heard."

Mr Mills said, "From the beginning, the death of the Kahui twins was an incredibly difficult case to investigate. Police were hampered when the twins' family refused to talk to them and we need to look at how parties involved in these kinds of cases co-operate with Police."

"To allow silence, effectively allows those who have committed a crime to hide."

"We do not allow people the same right in relation to Serious Fraud Office, Securities Commission, or Commerce Commission investigations," said Mr Mills. "This means suspects of fraud and financial offending may be required to cooperate, while suspects of violent or sexual offending, or murder, may not"

"Perhaps it's time the law relating to criminal procedure and evidence was reviewed."

ENDS

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