Marae repair bill in the thousands

POLICE have released further details on the alleged attack on a marae at Barletts on Monday afternoon and say the repair bill will run into thousands of dollars.

A 45 year-old Gisborne man faces two criminal damage charges, a charge of intentional damage, two theft charges, a charge of threatening behaviour and another of refusing to provide a blood sample relating to a driving offence.

“There was significant damage caused to the Rangiwaho Marae meeting house near SH2 at Bartletts,” said Senior Sergeant Lincoln Sycamore.

The man was arrested after a shoplifting offence at a Gisborne service station, alleged committed after he had hitch-hiked to Gisborne.

It is alleged that the man drove his small SUV into the wharenui through the front doors at about 1pm Monday afternoon and smashed into the interior walls several times.

“It caused thousands of dollars damage,” Sen Sgt Sycamore said.

“He also allegedly damaged a nearby house and shed after he threw bricks through several windows.”

At some point the man’s vehicle became stuck in a ditch and he got onto SH2 and headed towards Gisborne.

“A concerned motorist stopped to give him assistance and it’s alleged he smashed a wing mirror on the samaritan’s vehicle, who then drove off,” Sen Sgt Sycamore said.

“The man was later given a ride to Gisborne by persons unknown. He went to a service station in Gisborne and allegedly took off without paying for a packet of cigarettes.

“When he was confronted by a station attendant the man grabbed a petrol bowser and threatened to set himself alight,” Sen Sgt Sycamore said.

The man was located by police a short time later and arrested.

“He was given medical assistance by the mental health crisis team.”

The man is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on January 11.