Men recognised for help capturing Burton

Two Wellington men have been recognised for their bravery in helping capture notorious double murderer Graeme Burton.

Jeremy Simpson, 37, and his friend Karl Holmes, 36, were out mountain biking in the hills above Lower Hutt in January, 2007, when they were both shot by Burton, who was on the run from police.

As they fled, they passed Wainuiomata father-of-two Karl Kuchenbecker, who had been shot and killed by Burton.

While hiding from the killer, they contacted police to provide details which meant police could capture Burton.

They received commendations for bravery at a police ceremony yesterday, the The Dominion Post reported.

Mr Simpson said it was like stumbling into a war zone. He remembered being amazed later that he thought to check he was not leaving a blood trail for Burton to follow.

- NZPA