Priest who damaged Israeli memorial gets diversion

A Catholic priest who smeared blood and paint on an Israeli monument during a pro-Palestinian protest has been granted diversion.

Father Gerard Burns, of Te Parisi o te Ngakau Tapu in Porirua, was charged with wilful damage after he mixed a drop of his blood with paint, which he smeared on the Yitzhak Rabin peace memorial during a Wellington march on January 6.

Wellington Regional Jewish Council chairman David Zwartz laid a complaint with police about the incident.

Fr Burns was remanded on diversion until May 21 to complete tasks set for him by police in exchange for dropping the wilful damage charge.

- NZPA