Chase victim frustrated

File photo / NZ Herald

Laura Henry can only laugh out of frustration each time she hears about a police review of its pursuit policy.

It has been more than a year and a half since the 26-year-old was almost killed by a motorist fleeing police, and the physical effects are lasting.

The latest review by the force - the fourth in six years - concluded yesterday that there is "insufficient evidence" to support the banning of police pursuits, and the same "restrictive" pursuit policy will stay in place, albeit with some safety improvements.

"I'm wondering how they came to the conclusion that nothing needs to be done," Ms Henry said.

"I wonder how many people need to be [affected] like me. I'll suffer for the rest of my life now. It wasn't good enough [then] and it continues to be not good enough."

Ms Henry was driving with her partner and 5-year-old daughter in central Christchurch on December 5, 2008, as police happened to be pursuing motorist Thomas Hancy, then 18, at speeds of up to 100km/h.

Hancy's car ran a red light and smashed into Ms Henry's car.

She suffered head injuries so serious that it was thought she would die. She was put into a medically induced coma while also recovering from other serious injuries, including broken ribs.

Ms Henry says no one has ever apologised to her for what happened. Yet she continues to suffer chronic fatigue and problems with sleep and appetite, and gets easily confused and forgetful.

Police said both officers involved in the pursuit had been disciplined.