New details arose about an attack on a lawyer at Levin’s court in 2024.
Photo: RNZ / JIMMY ELLINGHAM
A lawyer punched and kicked a public waiting area for a teenager who appeared at the Youth Court was threatened by him in a different court.
New details arose about an attack on a lawyer at the Levin Court on May 21, 2024, in the Documents of the Ministry of Justice obtained by RNZ.
RNZ is unable to appoint the lawyer or adolescent involved due to restrictions on the youth court’s reports.
A report to the Ministry’s Health and Safety Committee said the lawyer also assaulted in Levin “the recipient of threatening the behavior of the young man when he first interacted at the District Court of Northern Palmerston on January 4, 2024”.
Another summary of the incident, also obtained under the law of official information, said that the lawyer did not report the incident to the security of the court, as he considered it a common occurrence.
The May attack took place in a waiting area, while a youth court session was underway inside an audience room.
“This time, the young people showed greater aggressive behavior and were observed walking around in the public area, observing the lawyer,” said the summary.
“The young people physically assaulted the lawyer, kicking and then punching them in the head and face before being restricted by a young worker until security officers and police intervened.”
The lawyer suffered minor injuries.
The Ministry’s committee report included several recommendations, including employees were trained to identify and mitigate the risks; Those experienced court security agents or security management were present when the courts were sitting; And that hearings involving potential risks should occur in a “place that provides appropriate control measures such as coercion alarms, CCTV and custody provisions.”
Ministry’s director of operations, Carl Crafar, said authorities recently fulfilled the position of Court’s Security Officer in Levin.
The court produced a weekly risk assessment and, if necessary, more security team from other places would work there when necessary.
In all New Zealand procedures were being updated.
The Extra Security team was implemented to the courts, including placement within courts. Craf said this ensured “visibility and quick response to possible threats.”
Health, safety and safety inductions have now routinely happened, and lawyers could attend, he said.
The Court’s security training was updated to include sessions on situational consciousness and body language, such as what gestures and facial expressions meant.
“All current court security agents will participate in the annual requalification course throughout the year.”
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