Victim rang Spark for internet help, 30 minutes later a scammer rang back
"Your fingerprints are all over this," Judge condemns offender.
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Latest fromCrime
Meth and the wild west: How a drug deal turned into 'execution-style' slaying
Steve Braunias reports from the so-called “execution-style” murder trial.
'It's f***ing cruel': Murder accused at 'execution' trial turns on co-defendant
Robert Hart was shot through his motorcycle helmet in November 2021.
Offenders flee after stolen car crashes
Four people were traveling in a stolen car when it crashed into another vehicle and a bus stop, the offenders then fled the scene. Video / Supplied
'Totally lost the plot': Prominent eye surgeon jailed for attempted murder of former landlord
The eye surgeon burst into his former landlord's home and nearly killed him.
‘Very sorry’: Raurimu gunman’s apology, book release
Stephen Anderson shot and killed six people at Raurimu - now he is set to publish a book.
Fake Middlemore Hospital doctor jailed after treating dozens of patients
Yuvaraj Krishnan was driven by a bizarre compulsion to be a doctor.
Woman accused of stabbing a stranger in the head unfit to stand trial
The victim was stabbed with such force the blade broke.
'Execution' murder trial: Witness says victim deceived during final morning of his life
Robert Hart would have been shot at close range, an expert also testified.
The eye surgeon, the red Porsche and the 200 guns
For years a prominent eye surgeon collected guns and dead animals for his home.
Man jailed for confronting bar patron who drowned after jumping into harbour
James Jenkins died three years ago while trying to flee.
Caught on camera: Teen 'delinquent arsonists' linked to Newmarket blaze
Security staff can be seen ordering the youths to leave minutes before the fiery blaze.
Newmarket car park fire
CCTV footage has captured the moments before a group of teenagers lit a destructive fire in Newmarket. Video / Supplied
'Grave and serious': Rape of woman at 21st results in jail
The man led the highly intoxicated victim to a secluded area and raped her twice.
Smuggle fail: Auckland man sentenced after Customs intercepts 8000 cigarettes, $770K worth meth and MDMA
His co-defendant was dubbed the 'little prince of counterfeit cigarettes'.
Man jailed for ‘massage’ that turned into sexual assault
Cheol Min Hong drove at such speed to the woman's home he got a speeding ticket.
Epsom death: One defendant named, two others remain suppressed
Adrian Selwyn, 39, was found dead at a property in Epsom’s Manukau Rd on March 15.
Not guilty plea to alleged rape, abduction of young girl
The alleged incident took place near the Blenheim Railway Station.
Officer justified in punching teen in face as he reached for hidden bong
'It was his favourite bong, and he did not want it to be taken by police.'
Armed police respond to reports of home invasion in Sandringham, Auckland
Sandringham residents were told to 'stay inside and lock your doors'.
Watch: Police arrest alleged home invasion suspects in Sandringham
Armed police arrest alleged home invasion suspects on Dunacan Ave, Sandringham. Video / Nathalie Gregory
Focus: Three injured in Epsom 'altercation'
One person is in a serious condition and two more were injured in an incident on Epsom's Manukau Rd that witnesses said they believed to be a stabbing. Video / Supplied
Focus: Five Auckland businesses targeted in ram raids and smash-and-grabs overnight
Police were kept busy overnight after five businesses were targeted in ram raids and smash-and-grab burglaries. Video / NZ Herald
'She'll be right': More than 600 calves starved to death
The calves' skeletal remains were scattered around the farm, letting off a smell of decay.
Focus: Rental property wrecked by former tenants
A Papakura rental property owned by Mr Sandhu was totally wrecked by former tenants. Video / Mike Scott
Boss of engineering company and his brother guilty of lying about workplace incident
A young employee was left brain-damaged after he was overcome by toxic fumes.
Focus: Man dies after being shot by police in Feilding
Police at the scene on Seddon St, Feilding. Video / Mark Mitchell
Watch: Car meet-up blocks Bay of Plenty intersection
Reckless driving and burnouts ensue at a car meet-up blocking a Bay of Plenty intersection. Source / Cameron Childerhouse
'Heartbreaking' murder: Public need to know if police response adequate
Police are being investigated over their response to harassment complaint before murder.
Law student complained to police a man was harassing her - two months later he killed her
Police are being investigated over their response.
Man found with record meth haul blames Bali bombings for drug offending
The dealer was found with 443g of meth and $350,000.
'Sparked fear in our locals': West Aucklanders on edge after schoolgirl abducted and attacked
Sunnyvale residents have deadbolted their doors after a schoolgirl's serious assault.
'Shut up or be killed': Manhunt under way after schoolgirl abducted, brutally assaulted
The 15-year-old heard a tapping on the door before finding an armed stranger in her home.
'Bad head space': Son threatens to kill father, shoots his truck
The man had previously built businesses before becoming involved with drugs.