No charge for father who took baby from mother

Police have decided not to charge a 19-year-old man who took his baby daughter from her mother's house in Wellington.

The father and five-month-old baby, who was safe and well, were found shortly after noon yesterday in a house in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere.

Police said Edward Milne took the baby from her mother's home in the Johnsonville/Newlands area of Wellington on Tuesday.

Detective Sergeant Tim Leitch, of Johnsonville CIB, said Mr Milne, who is from Auckland, had been interviewed by Hastings police and it was decided to release him without charge.

"We've carefully considered all of the circumstances and have decided that's the appropriate course of action in this case," Mr Leitch said.

It was now a matter for Child Youth and Family to talk to Mr Milne and the baby's mother about matters of support and counselling that may be appropriate or required.

It was believed Mr Milne hitchhiked to Hastings on Tuesday afternoon.

The baby was well when found at an extended family member's house.

"As far as they were aware Mr Milne turned up with his baby. I don't think they were fully aware of what occurred in Wellington," Mr Leitch said.

The baby was being cared for by CYF while the agency and police made arrangements to reunite her with her mother.

- NZPA