Family of accused man criticise police

The family of Ben Hawea, who is battling a chronic addiction to drinking and sniffing petrol, have denied that he was homeless when he appeared in court recently on an indecent assault charge and they have also criticised police for what they described as a "breakdown in communication".

Hawea's grandfather Tere Torea said his grandson had been staying with him and his grandmother in Wairarapa since his release from prison in February and making positive progress, despite it being stated in court more than two weeks ago that he was of "no fixed abode".

On April 4 Hawea, 22, appeared in Masterton District Court charged with indecently assaulting a schoolgirl in Masterton on March 28. He allegedly talked to her before touching her midriff and breast.

During that hearing Sergeant Jodie Lawrence, prosecuting, said the alleged incident was captured on CCTV and the accused was under the influence of petrol at the time of the alleged offence. She objected to bail, saying Hawea was "a risk to the public".

Mr Torea and Hawea's aunt Liz Hing told the Wairarapa Times-Age that they believed Hawea had made significant progress in recent months and he had been unfairly represented.

Mr Torea said he was perplexed as to why Hawea was named as being "homeless" in court and he claimed that he was disappointed that the family were not contacted by police following his arrest.

"Probation Services have first-hand knowledge of his accommodation, bail conditions and supervision so I don't know why the police have said he was homeless?" Mr Torea said.

"The question begs why police didn't make contact with probation and make contact with our family [after his arrest]."

Prior to the death of his grandaunt when he was 17, Hawea was previously described by friends as a promising academic and rugby player.

"He's had no male role-models in his life," Mr Torea said.

"[His grandaunt] struggled greatly with him but she was always there."

Sergeant Garry Wilson of Masterton police said he was unaware that Hawea had been staying with his grandparents and he believed all he needed was a "good adult influence".

"I will have to agree we haven't seen Ben around the streets for a long time," he said.

"There was a period of time [earlier this year] where we were concerned because we knew he was back in town. It's certainly pleasing and it can only be good for him."

Mr Wilson said he believed police had done everything they could for the troubled young man.

He said it was only their job to know where he was when there was a reason to look for him.

"If we've got no reason to go looking for him we're not going to be looking for him," he said.

"If Ben is keeping out of trouble that's fantastic and I would applaud the efforts being taken to deal with him."

Hawea had previously completed 17 terms of imprisonment.

On April 10, he appeared in Wellington District Court in relation to the indecent assault charge and he was bailed, without plea, to his grandparents address on a 24-hour curfew. He is due to appear at Wellington District Court again on April 29.