Tony Veitch

[Newtown-Fella]

Cop's ties to Veitch's ex 'cause for concern'

A policewoman investigating sports broadcaster Tony Veitch's assault charges has ended her involvement in the case after revelations she is a friend of the alleged victim, Veitch's ex-girlfriend Kristin Dunne-Powell.

The link has raised concerns about the investigation's fairness because of a possible conflict of interest.

Police told the Sunday Star-Times yesterday that Detective Keitha Lally, who attends the same Auckland gym as Dunne-Powell, referred her to the police's family safety team in July 2007 after she turned to Lally for "informal advice" over the alleged assault.

Dunne-Powell failed to attend an arranged meeting with the team to discuss the allegations and later demanded a $150,000 payout from Veitch for lost income and hurt feelings over the alleged January 2006 incident. The pair signed an agreement at the time that she wouldn't talk to police.

The police investigation was launched after media reports last July of the alleged abuse led to Veitch publicly saying he had lashed out at her in anger during the 2006 incident.

Auckland city police communications manager Noreen Hegarty said Lally was a member of the eastern area CIB, which was investigating Veitch's case, and was assigned some investigative duties for it "from time to time".

"She was not exclusively assigned to the investigation," Hegarty said. Her friendship with Dunne-Powell was known from the beginning and supervisors had also assessed whether it was a problem.

"If there is a perceived or real conflict of interest, then the officers can notify their supervisors ... This was done in this case and the situation had no cause of concern," said Hegarty.

However, police had decided she would have no further involvement in Veitch's case since her link had become known to media.

"As a back-up, in the interests of dispelling any perception of a conflict, she won't be carrying out any further investigations [in the Veitch case]. She has not been taken off the case as she was never permanently on it."

Hegarty said New Zealand was a small country and often police knew complainants and offenders.

"Officers deal professionally with both in dealing with inquiries. Police staff live and work in our communities."

Veitch's spokeswoman, Glenda Hughes, said it was disappointing there were links between an investigating police officer and the alleged victim. "It obviously gives us cause for concern."

She declined to comment further because of the impending court hearing. A two-week depositions hearing into allegations Veitch assaulted Dunne-Powell six times between 2002-2006 is due to begin in Auckland District Court on April 20.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2282893/Cops-ties-to-Veitchs-ex-cause-for-concern

[Calliope]

A police officer is no longer working on the Tony Veitch case, amid revelations of personal links with the complainant, Veitch's ex-girlfriend Kristin Dunne-Powell.

Detective Keitha Lally and Dunne-Powell attended the same Les Mills Body Attack gym class and are "acquaintances" - their relationship was strong to the point that Dunne-Powell confided in Lally before laying an official complaint against Veitch.

Lally then worked on the case - she interviewed potential witnesses and was one of the officers who attended Veitch's arrest.

Now an independent police inquiry has been launched after a family member close to Lally allegedly abused Veitch one night in Ponsonby, saying she had seen the police evidence and that Veitch was going "down".

A witness confirmed the fracas to the Herald on Sunday.

In a statement, Auckland police communications manager Noreen Hegarty said: "I am aware that the IPCA [Independent Police Conduct Authority] has received a complaint about alleged abuse of the accused by a member of the public and are investigating."

Hegarty confirmed Lally was assigned investigative duties while working from "time to time" on the Veitch inquiry. She said she was never permanently on the case.

"She will not be assigned any further duties related to the Veitch investigation."

Hegarty confirmed Dunne-Powell "sought informal advice from Detective Lally on matters. She was referred to the FST [police Family Safety Team] by Detective Lally".

Hegarty said there were no official protocols in place in regards to police officers who might know complainants. However, "if there's a perceived conflict of interest, then that's notified to the person who needs to be notified".

She would not say if that happened in this instance - her statement says the officer in charge of the police Family Safety Team was aware that the women were acquaintances, but does not say when this information was disclosed.

"It is not unusual for complainants to seek out police whom they know or know of in order to be able to get some free and informed advice about personal issues or matters of concern," said Hegarty. "For example, officers who live in small communities often know the complainants and offenders in alleged crimes and deal professionally with both when carrying out inquiries."

A spokeswoman for Veitch, Glenda Hughes, said yesterday: "We are disappointed and it gives us cause for concern."

Lally refused to comment. Dunne-Powell said: "We used to do the same gym class and I see her there very occasionally and that's the extent of me knowing her."

The Herald on Sunday is aware of at least two people who have been questioned by Lally over the allegations against Veitch, who was last week voted best sports presenter for the second straight year by TV Guide readers.

A British-based New Zealand woman - who was friends with Dunne-Powell and Veitch - said she was sent an email by Lally, asking "pointed" questions about Dunne-Powell's relationship with Veitch.

Lally's questions were: "When you were in contact with Kristin did she make any disclosures to you about their relationship? Were you aware of any violence in their relationship? Did you notice any bruising on Kristin? If so where on her body and what was the explanation she gave you for the bruising?"

The woman told Lally that she was never aware of, or witness to, any violence in their relationship and that she never saw any bruising on Kristin.

"I'm wondering if they have ignored my statement because I don't think it was of use to them."

Another woman, who also knew the couple, said she felt Lally was aggressive and tried to pressure her to make a statement. She told Lally that she had not seen any acts of violence.

Veitch is facing seven charges in relation to alleged assaults against Dunne-Powell.

Meanwhile, a witness has spoken of an incident in which a family member close to Lally allegedly verbally abused Veitch while he was socialising in Ponsonby late last year.

"It was kind of along the lines like 'I've read the scripts, I've read the evidence and you're going down' ... It took me back a bit, I thought god [she] is out of control."

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10562881&pnum=0

[Nitpicker1]

FOR CRYING DOWN THE DRAIN!   :nn

from the original message

This conflict of interest was of no concern UNTIL her link had become known to media?

Are the police so understaffed that they MUST use dodgy members until the media becomes aware of questionable relationships?


apologies for mangling an old saying, but is this another case of    WHAT WE DON'T KNOW WON'T HURT THEM ?

[Ferney]

Oops, then I shouldn't have told one of my closest friends, who was in the South Auckland Drug Squad, the name and address of a couple (the parents of a boy he met at highschool) who were suppling drugs to my youngest son when he was 13.   

[Calliope]

Meanwhile, a witness has spoken of an incident in which a family member close to Lally allegedly verbally abused Veitch while he was socialising in Ponsonby late last year.

"It was kind of along the lines like 'I've read the scripts, I've read the evidence and you're going down' ... It took me back a bit, I thought god [she] is out of control.

While being a friend of Dunne-Powell and working on the case doesn't seem too problematic to me, I do draw the line at her sharing information with family members which resulted in the above 'confrontation'.

If she was unable to remain impartial, do her job, and keep information confidential then she has no right being involved.

[Newtown-Fella]

mmm interesting development

 Tony Veitch case may be resolved tomorrow

Tony Veitch will front court tomorrow after his depositions hearing, due to start next week, was called off.


The depositions hearing into the Tony Veitch assault case, due to start on Monday, has been called off, it was reported tonight.

TVNZ said it was told this afternoon that a hearing would instead take place in the Auckland District Court tomorrow morning.

It was not known what would take place at tomorrow's hearing.

Sources have told Sunday News that Veitch's lawyer has negotiated a plea bargain and is likely to have the case resolved tomorrow morning.

Other sources told Sunday News the matter would be "significantly advanced".

One News reporter Lisa Owen said their sources close to the case indicated the case may be resolved tomorrow.

Veitch, a former TVNZ and Radio Sport broadcaster, has denied six counts of assaulting his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell and one of injuring her with reckless disregard, between 2002 and 2006.

He resigned from both high profile positions as a result of the allegations.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10566813

[Calliope]

Didn't I read somewhere that Dunn-Powell wants to move overseas. Perhaps that has something to do with it.

[Magoo]

Lets hope this will be the end of it.       I don't have the link... however I did read in an early report on the case that the woman used to arrive at all hours of the day and night and refuse to leave.   She was also most happy to accept $150K.     I reckon it was the policewoman  she befriended that started the ball rolling.   I think we have only heard one side of the story and although I don't like what happened I think he has been pushed to the limit over this.    If he was some dead shit from the boondocks we wouldn't have heard a thing about it and there would be no $150k shut up money.

[Lovelee]

Didn't I read somewhere that Dunn-Powell wants to move overseas. Perhaps that has something to do with it.

Yeh read that Calli - and then Im sure I saw a statement from her denying that.

This case was sposed to take a couple of years to get throught the courts. At the moment we are about 2 years behind in meth cases - those charged dont get the benefit of having their cases moved forward.  I do wonder how come this has managed to be rushed up.

[Lovelee]

Pleaded guilty to one charge -

injuring with reckless disregard to others


All other charges dropped.

He probably will be sentenced at a later date

[Calliope]

Ok so now that that is over, I wonder if they are going to charge Dunn-Powell with extortion

[Magpie]

The media's hysteria over this insignifiant little man continues unabated.

The Granny Herald's website currently has a heading: "Tony Veitch and alleged victim arrive in court...."

This will no doubt be followed by such riveting revalations as:

"Tony Veitch and alleged victim walk throuigh court door...' "Tony Veitch relieves himself in court toilet" and "Tony Veitch picks nose while waiting for hearing..."

And they wonder why fewer and fewer New Zealanders have any respect for the media.

[Nitpicker1]

The media's hysteria over this insignifiant little man continues unabated.

The Granny Herald's website currently has a heading: "Tony Veitch and alleged victim arrive in court...."

This will no doubt be followed by such riveting revalations as:

"Tony Veitch and alleged victim walk throuigh court door...' "Tony Veitch relieves himself in court toilet" and "Tony Veitch picks nose while waiting for hearing..."

And they wonder why fewer and fewer New Zealanders have any respect for the media.

Be in the draw to win a pen.
Submit a letter to the Herald on Sunday.
Blog links to nzherald

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10566898

[Newtown-Fella]

Tony Veitch pleads guilty to reckless disregard causing injury

Broadcaster Tony Veitch has pleaded guilty to reckless disregard causing injury.

Six charges of assault laid earlier have been dropped.

A court hearing is still continuing but he is being sentenced today.

The maximum penalty for the charge of reckless disregard causing injury is five years.

Veitch was supposed to appear in an Auckland court next week for a depositions hearing to decide if he should stand trial for assaulting his former girlfriend, Kristin Dunne-Powell.

The case was sparked by revelations in July last year, that the former broadcaster assaulted Dunne-Powell and paid her compensation.

Dunne-Powell is in court, as is Veitch's wife Zoe Halford.
Advertisement

Veitch stepped down from his jobs at TVNZ and The Radio Network and in a press conference admitted to "lashing out" against Dunne Powell.

Police started an investigation and eventually charged Veitch with six counts of assault between 2002 and 2006.

Admission from Veitch

At a media conference in Auckland in July he said he lashed out and made no excuse for what he did.

"I deeply regret what happened and have done so since it occurred," he said at the time.

Veitch said the incident occurred when Dunne-Powell, who he had recently broken up with, came over for dinner. They argued for some time and he says his frustration took over, he broke, and lashed out in anger.

"I have lived with that night on my conscience ever since and I will always do so," he said.


http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/tony-veitch-pleads-guilty-2648418

[Newtown-Fella]

Veitch admits reckless disregard causing injury

Broadcaster Tony Veitch has arrived at Auckland District Court with his wife for a hearing expected to resolve allegations that he beat up his former partner, Kristin Dunne-Powell.

Ms Powell is sitting across the courtroom aisle from the 35-year-old former TVNZ and Radio Sport host and his wife Zoe Halford.

There is a strong media presence with about 24 journalists attending the hearing.

Veitch was to appear for a depositions hearing at the court on Monday. He faced six charges of assaulting former girlfriend Kristin Dunne-Powell and one of injuring her with reckless disregard.

But an email sent from the court yesterday evening said the case had been "brought on" and Veitch would now be appearing this morning morning.

It is understood Veitch's appearance follows a plea-bargaining process.

The original seven charges laid against Veitch related to alleged assaults against Ms Dunne-Powell at Auckland and Mangawhai, north of Auckland, between 2003 and 2006.

After his first court appearance in August last year, Veitch vowed to defend the charges.

"I'm shocked and saddened that it's got this far in terms of all the allegations and charges ... I'm determined more than ever to fight to clear my name," he said.

Veitch's legal team raised objections late last year to apparent backlogs that could have delayed a trial until the end of next year.

Mr Grieve said in November that sort of delay could not be tolerated in a democratic society.

The former Game of Two Halves presenter stood down from high-paying positions at TVNZ and the Radio Network in July last year, after allegations arose that he had paid Ms Dunne-Powell more than $100,000 to remain silent after the assaults.

In a press conference days after the allegations came to light, Veitch - supported by new wife Zoe Halford - admitted "lashing out" at Ms Dunne-Powell.

Veitch all but disappeared from public life after the allegations, moving from his $1.8 million Herne Bay villa. It is understood he has been living with his wife's parents in Remuera.

Veitch made a tentative comeback to television in February, when he was invited to join the panel on Murray Deaker's Sky TV show Deaker on Sport.

ORIGINAL CHARGES

Injuring with reckless disregard:
January 29, 2006.

Male assaults female:
December 18, 2006, at Auckland.

Male assaults female:
November 5, 2005, at Auckland.

Male assaults female:
July 8, 2005, at Auckland.

Male assaults female:
June 3-4, 2005, at Rotorua.

Male assaults female:
Between April 14, 2003, and April 9, 2005, at Mangawhai.

Male assaults female:
Between March 15, 2002, and April 19, 2003, at Auckland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10566898

[Ferney]

Well the news last night mentioned a plea bargain so knew he was going to plead guilty to something.   He could have saved himself a lot of grief if he had just done that in the first place.  Silly boy.   

[Nitpicker1]

will there be a trial if he has pleaded guilty or will he pass go and be sent straght to gaol?  
 
Will he be able to use self defence as a mitigating factor in sentencing?

[Calliope]

Perhaps I should rephrase my previous statement>

Do you think Dunne-Powell should be charged with extortion?

[Newtown-Fella]

300 hours Community Service

9 months Supervision

$10000.00 Fine ...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10566898

[Magoo]

Do you think Dunne-Powell should be charged with extortion?

Hard to say whether he offered or she asked...however it should be returned and if she had any pride in herself at all she wouldn't want it.     I would say this got out of hand but there are a lot of girls out there who know how to press buttons and could just as easily find themselves in this situation.   Sometimes I don't think that young men/boys have it very easy.

[Lovelee]

What a bloody stupid result.

There will be men and women all over the country hoping they can escape a jail sentence now.

[Nitpicker1]

A satisfactorey result, all things considered


 

Do you think Dunne-Powell should be charged with extortion?

Hard to say whether he offered or she asked...however it should be returned and if she had any pride in herself at all she wouldn't want it.     I would say this got out of hand but there are a lot of girls out there who know how to press buttons and could just as easily find themselves in this situation.   Sometimes I don't think that young men/boys have it very easy.

 whether he offered or she asked, both of 'em probably got more than they bargained for. IYGMM

[Lovelee]

Im sorry - its not the result but the 'punishment' involved that annoys me, and only in regard to others charged with DV.

[chrismrky]

now that this seems to be concluded   (although I believe that 'she' should be made to repay monies)  why do we not  'Name and Shame' other DV offenders.   It might just change a few peoples miinds about what they are doing.  we could have a site on the internet, perhaps a channel on the t.v. devoted to it!!!! After all everyone seemed soooo interested in Tony Veitch,  why not do it to ALL offenders.   It could be a real money spinner for the stations

[Nitpicker1]

Im sorry - its not the result but the 'punishment' involved that annoys me, and only in regard to others charged with DV.

imo the publcity this case propogated might just permeate a few people's deep depths and make them realise that there are two sides to every domestic dispute. It might even help prevent a few common household altercations from escalating to full on violent assault.

Too much to hope perhaps that some may realise real Love is not to do with sex or of supremacy of one individual over another.