BRONZ Federation Inc is deeply concerned with the outcome of the prosecution of Officer Lenihan after his contribution
to the death of motorcyclist Paul Brown.
BRONZ not happy with outcome of police investigation
BRONZ does not find the outcome consistent with a level and unbiased application of the due process of law, or the road
code all drivers are expected to adhere to, including our Police force.
This was a 3 point turn in a narrow, double yellow lined section of road near the brow of a hill. Had the vehicle
involved been a B-train instead of a motorcycle we would have a dead policeman. A serious misjudgment was made by
Officer Lenihan and this is not reflected by the miniscule fine imposed.
This accident brings to light a serious issue with Police training & pursuit policies. A worrying trend has been established with no fewer than four similar accidents occurring in as many
years (Buller Gorge (2007, Motorcycle), Maramarua (2007, Motorcycle), Midhirst (2008, Car), Atawhai (2009, Car).
The 'red mist' factor was present yet again and an innocent road user has paid the price. Why do these accidents
continue to occur?
BRONZ Federation believe that the Police need to take a serious look at the training given to officers, old and new, and
revise pursuit policies to end this run of avoidable accidents. Paul Brown was killed by a careless action taken by a
trained road safety professional and we, the New Zealand tax payers and road users, deserve better from our law
enforcement officers.
ENDS