Rob Kidd

Otago

ODT court reporter and books editor. "A tacky and unscrupulous journalist" (Clive McNeill, Dunedin). The cruffiton liveth - one hope, one quest.

Articles

Parole for man who killed 5-month-old daughter

4 days ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. SouthlandWarning: Some readers may find this report distressingAn Invercargill baby killer has been paroled and says he "now knows it is much safer to leave a baby crying and walk away". Daniel Wallis, 27, was jailed for three years and three months after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his 5-month-old premature baby daughter Hope Elizabeth Wallis McFall-Schultz.
Parole for man who killed 5-month-old daughter

4 days ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. NewsDunedinWarning: Some readers may find this report distressingAn Invercargill baby killer has been paroled and says he "now knows it is much safer to leave a baby crying and walk away". Daniel Wallis, 27, was jailed for three years and three months after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his 5-month-old premature baby daughter Hope Elizabeth Wallis McFall-Schultz.
Disgraced healer Sonny Chin admits another sex assault

1 week ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. NewsDunedinA disgraced Dunedin healer, currently on parole for sex offences against seven women, has admitted another indecent assault. Sonny Hang Chin, 67, appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning where he was granted bail until his sentencing in August. In June 2023 a jury found him guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault and he was jailed for three years three months.
Bid for reduced sentence fails

1 week ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

A Central Otago man who raped a sleeping woman has failed in a bid to have his sentence reduced. Alexander Robert Hart was jailed for six and a-half years after being found guilty of rape. The victim was left suffering from a variety of medical conditions and had twice been admitted to hospital in the aftermath, the Christchurch District Court heard. In a judgement released this week, the Court of Appeal ruled the sentence was justified and, if anything, "generous" given the context.
‘Very limited progress’ for Bailey in 33 years

2 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. NewsDunedinAn Owaka murderer and rapist has made "very limited progress" during his 33 years behind bars, the Parole Board says. Paul David Bailey, 60, waived his appearance before the board earlier this year and has had his next hearing postponed for five years — the maximum period available.
Ex-healer avoids recall to prison

2 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. NewsDunedinA Dunedin healer who sexually assaulted seven women will not be recalled to prison.
Drink-driver bit woman holding her

3 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

A Dunedin woman caught drink-driving three times in six months bit another motorist who tried to thwart her dangerous rampage, a court has heard.Elizabeth Ann Frazer, 29, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after earlier admitting three drink-driving-related charges and careless driving. When Frazer was stopped at a police checkpoint in February last year she gave a breath-alcohol reading of 445mcg — nearly twice the legal limit and stated she "had wine with dinner".
Prominent Dunedin man on sex charges keeps identity hidden

3 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

The identity of a prominent Dunedin man accused of rape and five sexual violation charges will remain under wraps – for now. The man, aged in his 30s, appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning where interim suppression of his name, occupation and employer were all continued by Judge David Robinson.
‘I’ve got the ability to shoot you’

3 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoWhen council staff went to seize Craig Phillip Duell’s dog, they knew there may be trouble. Three Waitaki District Council employees went to his Palmerston home on September 11, accompanied by two police officers, the Dunedin District Court heard this week. But their numbers made little difference to the 55-year-old’s attitude.
Dunedin woman's killer denied parole again

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Rob Kidd

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. NewsDunedinA Dunedin man who used knives and a spade to murder his ex-girlfriend will remain locked up until he finds a suitable release facility. Gareth Lawrence Smither, 53, was declined parole again at a hearing last month after the victim’s family continued to “strongly” oppose his release to the South.