KEY POINTS:
A woman who allegedly helped convicted murderer Graeme Burton evade arrest before he went on a shooting rampage in Lower Hutt had the charge against her withdrawn by police today.
Colleen Francis Malloy, 36, was due to appear in Lower Hutt District Court for assisting Burton to avoid arrest, knowing he had committed aggravated burglary.
Malloy did not turn up at court today. Her lawyer Nicolette Levy told the court she could not explain her client's non-appearance.
Police prosecutor Sergeant John Miller told Judge Susan Thomas police had reviewed the evidence and Malloy's involvement in the incident and had decided to withdraw the charge.
The alleged aggravated burglary was committed while Burton, 36, was in breach of his parole conditions and was the subject of a highly publicised police manhunt.
Burton has pleaded guilty to murdering Karl Kuchenbecker, who was riding his quad bike along the Wainuiomata fire break on January 6.
He has also pleaded guilty to 10 other charges, all of which arose from events on the fire break, including the attempted murder of two mountain bikers and using a firearm against two law enforcement officers.
He was shot and caught by police after wounding two more mountain bikers.
His right leg was amputated above the knee the next day.
Burton is due to be sentenced for Mr Kuchenbecker's murder in April.
- NZPA
