The Chief District Court Judge has ordered an urgent review of the training community magistrates receive in response to the murder of a young mother by her former partner, who had been bailed after threatening to kill her.
The Herald revealed this morning that Inayat Kawthar, 24, was killed by her former partner Ramintesh Avinash, 27, after he had been freed on bail, despite police opposition, and while he faced charges of threatening to kill her and assault with a weapon.
Avinash was found dead under a rail bridge in Manurewa that afternoon. His death is not suspicious.
The murder happened 10 days after Avinash's bail hearing and today Chief District Court judge Jan-Marie Doogue has indicated more work will be done in training community magistrates.
"When tragic events such as these take place it is vital to assess the situation in which they occurred. The Chief judge is reviewing the ongoing training of community magistrates and their continuing legal education. This professional development will include further instruction on issues relating to bail decisions,'' said Sonja de Friez, director of community engagement District Courts.
