| crime.files |
| |
 |
|
| crime.features |
| |
|
|
| crime.resources |
| |
|
|
| crime.co.nz |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Soft drink can thrown at murder accused
Former Gore police officer and now company director Alan Henderson threw a full can of soft drink at Operation Tam murder accused Scott Watson during a court appearance in Christchurchyesterday (29 June 1998).
Henderson, 36, says he did it as part of ‘sharing in the burden of the nation’s shame’.
Henderson was standing at the rear of the public gallery in the Christchurch District Court at about 10am as Watson was called to the dock for a brief appearance.
Henderson shouted “Scott, we need to talk! The clock’s ticking!“ He then threw a full can of soft drink at Watson. The can hit the wall about halfway between Watson’s head and a wall clock and bounced off, striking, but not injuring a TV3 reporter sitting at the press bench.
Henderson was pounced on by police who were also sitting in the public gallery and was taken into custody. He spent the day behind bars before being brought back just before 4pm, to plead guilty to disorderly behaviour. He was convicted and fined $400. Henderson apologised to Judge Patricia Costigan for causing concern to her and her staff at their workplace. He said he had not meant to hit anyone but had aimed at the wall clock above Watson’s head.
Henderson described himself to reporters as a ‘Scottish New Zealander.’ He told them he felt emotional. “I’m sharing the burden of the nation’s shame.” He said he had pleaded guilty and that, “Where he came from, that’s what men do.”
The Dominion of 30 June reported that Henderson had told police after his arrest that time had gone by and the bodies of “the kids” had to be got out of the water.
TVNZ news said that after the can-throwing incident, Scott Watson, who is awaiting trial for the murders of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart suppressed a smile as he was stood down. He was remanded to the Blenheim District Court for a pre-depositions hearing on 17 August.
Interviewed after the attack by Radio NZ, Detective Inspector Rob Pope, the officer in charge of the investigation said security for Watson’s future appearances would be reviewed. He said it had not yet decided where Watson would be tried.
For more information refer to any of the almost 30 topics isolated for you by CrimeCo. Sequentially, Arrest is recommended.
|
|
|
Former Gore police officer and now company director Alan Henderson threw a full can of soft drink at Operation Tam murder accused Scott Watson |
|