Police are appealing to gang sources to hand over two fugitives linked with the theft of a classic car, the owner of which took his life in Napier three days later.
The two are Brik John Wattie Poi Poi, 30, and Sarah Magdelenn McGeorge, 26, who were arrested a few hours after the gold-painted 1969 Ford Mustang Grande was taken in a raid on owner Brian Johnstone's Pirimai home last Thursday afternoon.
They were charged with entering the James Foley Ave property with intent to commit a crime, then released on bail as police tried to negotiate the return of the car.
That never happened. The pair failed to appear in court on Monday and warrants are out for their arrest.
Alleged co-offender Duane Alan Donald Slater, 38, of Flaxmere, charged with burglary and the unrelated receiving of a stolen Chevrolet Malibu car and a stolen water blaster, did appear.
He was remanded in custody without pleas to appear again on January 9.
The Mustang was not found until early yesterday afternoon when police raided another address in James Foley Ave, but it was too late for Brian Johnstone, who was found dead at his home on Sunday, aged 58.
Despite huge efforts by police, including many searches, it was also too late to save the vehicle, found missing its engine and wheels valued at $5000.
Brian Johnstone's son, Glenn, said it hadn't been the best of years for his father but things had been looking up. He had returned three months ago to a sales job at Mastertrade, where he was manager 30 years ago in its days as A and T Burt.
But then came the theft, in which three people drove up while he was at work. They broke into the garage, smashed the car window, forced the garage door, hot-wired the prized auto and drove off as startled neighbours watched. "It didn't really hit home with him until Friday morning," Mr Johnstone said. "Dad rang me and ... he just broke down. It wasn't just a car to my Dad."
His father bought the car 14 years ago, spent more than $18,000 keeping it up to scratch, sold it in 2005 and then, unsatisfied with other cars, bought it back. He spent another $8000 on personalising the vehicle further. His devotion included securing the unique MG302 registration plate: Mustang 302 cubic inch. On Sunday Mr Johnstone went with his 4-year-old daughter to see his father and fix the garage door. "When I drove up the road the police were there and I thought, 'good, they've got the car back'." Then he was told of his father's death.
It was more than a day before he could cope with telling the little girl what had happened. "He was just the awesomest father and granddad and he loved that girl, and all the children.
"She knew something was wrong. Telling her was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."
His father, prominent in the Ex-Royal Navalmen's Association and a keen gardener, was returned to his family last night and his funeral will be in Napier on Saturday.
"The police have thrown everything at trying to find the car and the people, and the family thank them gratefully for all the effort they have put into it," Mr Johnstone said.
LEAD STORY: Theft of prized car last straw
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