Next stop court for Undie 500 rioters

Sixty-one people face court after last weekend's disorder in the heart of Dunedin's student quarter. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Two men, one of whom stole a police officer's hat, have been fined for their parts in last weekend's Undie 500 riots in Dunedin.

Invercargill business student Brodie Luke Feaver, 19, who admitted stealing the woman officer's hat was convicted of theft when he appeared in Dunedin District Court.

He said he thought stealing the hat would be funny, Radio New Zealand reported.

Judge Paul Kellar convicted Feaver and fined him $500, telling him the conviction would have a negative impact on his career and ability to travel.

Jamahl Collins, 19, who admitted breaching the liquor ban, was also fined $500.

A total of 61 people have, or will, appear in court over the riots.

Among those charged were two high school students from Dunedin and one from Napier.

Students made up more than half of those charged, with 27 from Otago University, eight from Canterbury, three from Lincoln and one from Victoria.

Three attended Otago Polytechnic and two come from Telford Rural Polytechnic.

A total of 23 charges of disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence had been laid as well as 19 charges of breaching the liquor ban, 13 of obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty, three of offensive language, three of wilfully breaking glass and one of offensive behaviour.

Dunedin and Clutha area commander Inspector Dave Campbell said police would review police footage and still photographs to identify other offenders from the weekend's disorder.

"The officers will be directed to concentrate on those throwing missiles and lighting fires," Mr Campbell said.

- NZPA