Ric Stevens is a Multimedia Journalist specialising in Open Justice reporting at Hawke's Bay Today.
I have worked in journalism for about 40 years, including as a political reporter at Parliament and in senior roles at a number of daily newspapers. In the course of my career I have met 10 prime ministers and covered topics as diverse as riots, earthquakes and murder trials, among many other things. I stepped aside from daily journalism for a while in 2016 to complete a master's degree and then found myself working for four years on the front line of the criminal justice system, as a probation officer. This has helped inform my current reporting on crime and justice. I was delighted to be able to come back to journalism as a member of NZME's Open Justice team in 2022.
![Hefty costs order leaves sour taste in mouth of anti-fluoridation group](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Hefty costs order leaves sour taste in mouth of anti-fluoridation group
Court case was in the public interest - campaigners says costs ruling 'really unfair'.
!['Justice for a young victim:' Guilty verdicts in ram raid, kidnap and rape case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Justice for a young victim:' Guilty verdicts in ram raid, kidnap and rape case
Police: 'She’s shown a tremendous amount of courage to come forward and make a complaint.'
![Man accused of ram-raid, teen rape and kidnap claims it's all 'lies'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man accused of ram-raid, teen rape and kidnap claims it's all 'lies'
Crown: 'Does it make any sense that she should make up false allegations about him?'
![Unregistered anti-vax doctor kept practising under 'Māori customary law'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Unregistered anti-vax doctor kept practising under 'Māori customary law'
A pharmacy contacted the Medical Council after receiving prescriptions from the doctor.
![Man charged with ram-raid and rape calls victim's relative a 'compulsive liar'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man charged with ram-raid and rape calls victim's relative a 'compulsive liar'
The man says he's got an alibi: 'It would be impossible for me to commit these offences'.
![Family cannabis business: Daughter was boss, mum did deliveries, dad kept the accounts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Family cannabis business: Daughter was boss, mum did deliveries, dad kept the accounts
'Blood is thicker than common sense,' says defence lawyer.
!['48-hour nightmare': Teen allegedly kidnapped, raped after $20k ATM heist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'48-hour nightmare': Teen allegedly kidnapped, raped after $20k ATM heist
Now a father and son are on trial together in the High Court at Napier.
![Police eavesdrop on private communications to bust meth ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Police eavesdrop on private communications to bust meth ring
Bishop associated with Brydon Boyce, who had meth in his system at time of fatal crash.
![Woman's crucial role as mule for a jailhouse drug ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Woman's crucial role as mule for a jailhouse drug ring
When Freedom Walker visited her partner in jail, she took meth and cannabis with her.
![Ex-con supplied pistols to criminal underworld shortly before gun crime spiked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Ex-con supplied pistols to criminal underworld shortly before gun crime spiked
Police say they have intercepted numerous Alfa Carbines cut down to hand guns.
![Youth crime: A teen robber’s two-year trail of $190k mayhem revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Youth crime: A teen robber’s two-year trail of $190k mayhem revealed
Teenagers netted $140,000 of watches, rings and medallions in 45-second raid.
![School worker, charged with indecency, told to surrender passport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
School worker, charged with indecency, told to surrender passport
Man remanded on bail to appear in the Hastings court again on July 2.
![Terrorised, battered woman was tied up and left on a bed - then she smelled smoke](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Terrorised, battered woman was tied up and left on a bed - then she smelled smoke
Recidivist offender's chilling words: 'I can't let you go because you'll nark.'
![Anti-fluoride group loses High Court bid to stop Hastings council adding fluoride to water](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Anti-fluoride group loses High Court bid to stop Hastings council adding fluoride to water
Fluoridation in Hastings water recommenced on April 8, 2024.
![Retailer Crackerjack fined for selling children’s nightware that breached fire safety label rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Retailer Crackerjack fined for selling children’s nightware that breached fire safety label rules
Prosecution followed inspection which found non-compliant sleepware in Napier store.
![Two more jail terms after seven-on-one gang-related prison assault](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Two more jail terms after seven-on-one gang-related prison assault
The attack was captured on the prison’s CCTV.
!['You owe these people': Online scammer will take 11 years to repay his victims $8700](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'You owe these people': Online scammer will take 11 years to repay his victims $8700
Paul Sutton can only afford to make repayments of $15 a week.
![Kathleen Kawana death: Police claim she was murdered in Hastings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Kathleen Kawana death: Police claim she was murdered in Hastings
The murder-accused has been remanded in custody and has name suppression.
!['Holy s***!': Violent gang member reacts as he learns how long his jail term is](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Holy s***!': Violent gang member reacts as he learns how long his jail term is
Victims included an innocent householder, a prison guard, a policewoman and two inmates.
![Mother of kidnapped girls: 'He has taken away innocence of childhood'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Mother of kidnapped girls: 'He has taken away innocence of childhood'
One girl who ran to escape returned to help her sister.
!['Extreme and prolonged violence': Man punched, kicked as he lay prone on prison floor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Extreme and prolonged violence': Man punched, kicked as he lay prone on prison floor
Review by prison inspectorate is under way after gang-related assault.
![Two axehead-shaped holes in front doors of courthouse, hearings delayed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Two axehead-shaped holes in front doors of courthouse, hearings delayed
Jurors and lawyers waited outside while broken glass was cleared away.
![Callous, uncaring man 'became criminal' during sex with young woman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Callous, uncaring man 'became criminal' during sex with young woman
Woman did not know two men who picked her up and took her to a motel.
![Mother ‘totally shattered’ after son beaten to death by Mongrel Mob associates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Mother ‘totally shattered’ after son beaten to death by Mongrel Mob associates
Police thank people who provided information as gang associates are sent to jail.
![How one victim tracked down a burglar on a crime spree](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
How one victim tracked down a burglar on a crime spree
A set of keys with a GPS fob attached was one of the items Layna Brown stole.
![Hastings council fined after 200 cubic metres of wastewater spills onto highway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Hastings council fined after 200 cubic metres of wastewater spills onto highway
Court told Hastings council has had 25 other breaches since 2019.
![Motorcyclist dies after unlicensed driver runs him over, then flees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Motorcyclist dies after unlicensed driver runs him over, then flees
Family's lives 'achingly quiet' after loved one's death, daughter tells court.
!['Put down': Violent inmate stomps on duck after it landed in prison yard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Put down': Violent inmate stomps on duck after it landed in prison yard
The prisoner was charged with attacking the bird, which had to be put down.
![Slain Mob boss had $230k in car when police busted meth-dealing ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Slain Mob boss had $230k in car when police busted meth-dealing ring
Daniel Eliu was shot dead outside a South Auckland church.
![Girl foils sex offender by using his phone to save evidence and summon help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Girl foils sex offender by using his phone to save evidence and summon help
Stephen Wayne Beattie hid phone in girl's bedroom to make videos of her.
![Man makes an obscenity-laden TikTok about victims after being released from prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man makes an obscenity-laden TikTok about victims after being released from prison
Stephen Elliot was originally jailed for assaulting them in a Salvation Army store.
!['Gang overtones': Terrified occupants saw taser sparking in the dark as trio tried to break in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Gang overtones': Terrified occupants saw taser sparking in the dark as trio tried to break in
One of the victims has moved away, still fearful of the Black Power associates.
![Some weeks their pay packets were empty - now they've triggered a court case over low pay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Some weeks their pay packets were empty - now they've triggered a court case over low pay
RSE pay deduction issues are likely to 'resonate' throughout NZ, lawyer tells court.
![Man accused of murder of Javon Aranui named](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man accused of murder of Javon Aranui named
Name suppression continues for a second man charged with murder.
![Former Napier mortgage broker sentenced for falsifying loan applications](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Former Napier mortgage broker sentenced for falsifying loan applications
Natalie Ann Carter applied for seven loans totaling nearly $3 million.
!['Catastrophic': Banned driver sped from cops before crashing into photographers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Catastrophic': Banned driver sped from cops before crashing into photographers
The forbidden driver who had earlier sped away from police faced several charges.
![Man settles down, starts a family, then finds out Australia wants to extradite him](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man settles down, starts a family, then finds out Australia wants to extradite him
The man had travelled to and from Australia several times without challenge.
![Packed public gallery supports two charged with Javon Aranui's murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Packed public gallery supports two charged with Javon Aranui's murder
Judge grants interim name suppression to protect the two men’s fair trial rights.
![Man says drugs were for own use - his safe password suggested otherwise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man says drugs were for own use - his safe password suggested otherwise
Drug seller claims money was from orchard work, building and pokies.
![Miscarriage of justice: Boy, 15, spent nearly a year in adult prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Miscarriage of justice: Boy, 15, spent nearly a year in adult prison
Mistake deemed a miscarriage of justice in first Criminal Cases Review Commission result.
![Kmart robber was asked for receipt - so he pulled out a knife](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Kmart robber was asked for receipt - so he pulled out a knife
“Do you want me to use this on you?” Satwinder Singh asked the employee.
!['Feared for his life': Gang member robbed man after being out of jail for just a week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Feared for his life': Gang member robbed man after being out of jail for just a week
Hagen Henare had earlier been involved in kidnapping a woman for a gang boss.
![Truck driver who refused Covid jab gets $29k for wrongful dismissal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Truck driver who refused Covid jab gets $29k for wrongful dismissal
Wayne Basher spent most of his working time alone in his cab.
![Two teens charged with taking man's car and ram-raiding dairy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Two teens charged with taking man's car and ram-raiding dairy
Teenage pair charged jointly with aggravated robbery, burglary and wilful damage.
!['Spiritual' feeling of relief after disgraced former MP quits disputed property after 37 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Spiritual' feeling of relief after disgraced former MP quits disputed property after 37 years
Property vacated after protracted battle in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
![Man on $100k meth shopping spree used child's sickness to dodge Covid checkpoints](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man on $100k meth shopping spree used child's sickness to dodge Covid checkpoints
Little did he know, police had placed a listening device in one of his associate's homes.
![Beneficiary busted with $16,500 - police seize cash under crime-proceeds law](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Beneficiary busted with $16,500 - police seize cash under crime-proceeds law
John Te Aho, who has drug-dealing history, made 85 bank deposits totalling $117,000.
![Mob associate laughed during fatal attack on Hawke's Bay teacher](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Mob associate laughed during fatal attack on Hawke's Bay teacher
Keontay Chadwick pleads guilty to Darcy Strickland's manslaughter.
![Eight charged in crackdown on pokie machine 'corruption'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Eight charged in crackdown on pokie machine 'corruption'
The offending gives the gambling sector a bad name, says Internal Affairs.
![Teen sportsman's 'horrific' accident: Meat works fails to overturn $280k fine and conviction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Teen sportsman's 'horrific' accident: Meat works fails to overturn $280k fine and conviction
Workplace accident ended young man's dream of playing sport overseas.
![The Mob captain, the gambler and the prison ring controlled by a phone hidden in a toilet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
The Mob captain, the gambler and the prison ring controlled by a phone hidden in a toilet
More than 300 texts and 450 calls were made to smuggle drugs into prison.
!['If you scream, I will stab you': Kidnapper threatened girls with screwdriver](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'If you scream, I will stab you': Kidnapper threatened girls with screwdriver
The girls were not physically hurt but were emotionally traumatised after escaping.
![What kids who commit serious crimes have in common](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
What kids who commit serious crimes have in common
Haami Hanara, who was neglected and abused, knifed a man to death when he was 14.
![Real estate agent wins court dispute over commission on $6.6m sale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Real estate agent wins court dispute over commission on $6.6m sale
Station was sold between brothers' trusts in a "family arrangement".
![Brothers sentenced after attacking mum's murderer in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Brothers sentenced after attacking mum's murderer in court
The teenage twin brothers had never been in trouble with the courts before.
![Five-year-old boy in hospital for a month after being struck by forklift in orchard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Five-year-old boy in hospital for a month after being struck by forklift in orchard
The company was fined $7000 over the incident, in which a 14-year-old was driving.
![Babysitter filmed naked child, kept 2500 photos](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Babysitter filmed naked child, kept 2500 photos
Man took 18 videos of underage girl and used them to generate 2500 still images.
![Mongrel Mob associate pleads guilty to murder of Darcy Strickland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Mongrel Mob associate pleads guilty to murder of Darcy Strickland
One of the two accused admits the murder of a Flaxmere man described as a 'gentle giant'.
![Seven years' jail for methed-up driver who killed a dad in high-speed crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Seven years' jail for methed-up driver who killed a dad in high-speed crash
Drugs and a loaded pistol were found in Brydon Boyce's unregistered, unwarranted car.
![Underpaid Havelock cafe manager didn't take leave for more than two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Underpaid Havelock cafe manager didn't take leave for more than two years
ERA ruling allows staffer to pursue the owner of the cafe for $6000.
![Murder at the Racecourse Hotel: Can a 90-year-old cold case be solved today?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Murder at the Racecourse Hotel: Can a 90-year-old cold case be solved today?
Inspector clears up detective grandfather's unsolved cases.
![Notorious gang member faces lengthy prison sentence after violent assault on elderly man](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Notorious gang member faces lengthy prison sentence after violent assault on elderly man
Mobster Puk Kireka kidnapped partner and attacked good samaritan.
![Police raid several properties in meth ring crackdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Police raid several properties in meth ring crackdown
People arrested include patched members of the Mongrel Mob and associates.
!['I miss her hugs, her kisses' - Mum of six stabbed to death in Napier sleepout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'I miss her hugs, her kisses' - Mum of six stabbed to death in Napier sleepout
The man who stabbed Arohaina Henare to death has been jailed for life.
!['Simply a favour': Drug dealer gets extra time for arranging meth delivery to jail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Simply a favour': Drug dealer gets extra time for arranging meth delivery to jail
His lawyer says it was for another prisoner and the deal was not for profit.
![Sacked council manager told to destroy documents he emailed to himself](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Sacked council manager told to destroy documents he emailed to himself
A request for a tax form was 'demeaning' of his person and office, the manager said.
![Bereaved father fails in private prosecution of forestry company over son's death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Bereaved father fails in private prosecution of forestry company over son's death
Richard Brooking is fighting for justice after his son was killed on the job.
![Man denies kidnapping Havelock North children, elects jury trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man denies kidnapping Havelock North children, elects jury trial
Police earlier alleged that the man coerced children into going with them before they ran.
!['Tragedy from all angles': Baby died after being shaken by dad who was out of his depth in caring for newborn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Tragedy from all angles': Baby died after being shaken by dad who was out of his depth in caring for newborn
Baby's mother: “I do believe in forgiving. It is just a process that will take time.”
![Sprinkler activation closes Napier courthouse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Sprinkler activation closes Napier courthouse
Cases moved to Hastings, which has several courtrooms running.
![Scammer fooled dozens in Facebook cons offering cars, phones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Scammer fooled dozens in Facebook cons offering cars, phones
Victim says the bogus car seller 'seemed like a legitimate guy'.
!['Cavalier': Company fined $52k for quarrying in wine-growing area](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Cavalier': Company fined $52k for quarrying in wine-growing area
Gimblett Gravels is a designated wine-growing area west of Hastings.
![‘How dare you put your hands on my missus:' Killer's words as he stabbed woman in chest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
‘How dare you put your hands on my missus:' Killer's words as he stabbed woman in chest
Killer of Napier woman Arohaina Henare pleads guilty to murder.
!['I've killed my bro': Man gets home detention after mate falls off the back of ute](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'I've killed my bro': Man gets home detention after mate falls off the back of ute
Group drinking before the accident but the driver was under the legal limit.
!['Drinking from the age of two': Man jailed for violent assault at tangi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
'Drinking from the age of two': Man jailed for violent assault at tangi
Court told that main aggressor had been drinking alcohol since the age of two.
![Man, 72, gets 11 months' home detention for historic sex offending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=794)
Man, 72, gets 11 months' home detention for historic sex offending
Zane Hugh Smith appeared for sentencing for a third time.