Urewera 15 trial delayed until next year

15 people were arrested during police raids on alleged training camps in the Urewera ranges and elsewhere in 2007, but they won't get their day in court until 2012. Photo / Alan Gibson

The trial of 15 people controversially arrested after police raids on alleged training camps in the Urewera ranges and elsewhere in 2007 has been delayed until February next year, sparking outrage from their supporters.

The High Court today delayed the trial because the Supreme Court would not have time to consider an appeal by the accused to have their case heard by a judge and jury rather than a judge alone. They are also appealing the admissibility of certain evidence.

The "Urewera 15", who have been waiting to for their trial for nearly four years, face firearms charges and five of them face charges of participating in an organised criminal group.

Urewera 15 support group October 15th Solidarity today renewed its call for the charges to be dropped, given the delay meant the defendants' lives would have to be put on hold for yet another year.

"The 18 defendants (three of them will be tried separately) have had to cope as best they can but their lives have been on hold for most of the last four years as they face the prospect of a three-month trial," spokesman Peter Steiner said.

"At least one defendant resigned a full-time job last month to prepare for the case - only to face yet another adjournment and ongoing chaos in their life - and for many finding work and accommodation has been difficult."

Mr Steiner questioned the Crown's motives for pursuing the charges when the police view was that the most likely outcome of the trial would be meagre fines.

- NZPA