Woman lays assault complaint

Len Richards with the megaphone. Photo / Janna Dixon

A woman has laid an assault complaint against unionist Len Richards claiming he struck her across the face with a megaphone during a protest against anti-terrorism laws yesterday.

Police did not arrest Richards, but are now reconsidering after seeing television footage.

Two protesters were arrested in the fracas, which broke out during a demonstration outside the Labour Party annual conference, held in the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, on Auckland's North Shore. Shortly after, a 17-year-old Gisborne youth was also arrested for allegedly spitting at an officer.

Police dispute claims they were heavy-handed at the three-hour protest, which peaked at about 150 people.

Bronwyn Davies, wife of high-profile activist John Minto, told the Herald on Sunday she was standing next to a man who was trying to take back the protesters' megaphone from Richards. Richards swung the megaphone towards him, hitting him and Davies in the face. She said she was shocked by Richards' outburst. "I am a peaceful protester, I would never hit anyone."

Richards is a delegate of the Service and Food Workers Union (SFWU), which was holding a lunchtime event at the conference.

The altercation happened around 11.30am, after Richards and fellow union delegate Jill Ovens emerged to tell protesters the SFWU was on their side. Ovens was drowned out by hecklers and went back inside. Richards picked up the megaphone, the protester tried to grab it off him and Richards took his swing. Richards retreated inside and later denied he meant to hit anyone.

Inspector Les Paterson, North Shore police commander, said "police were incredibly tolerant", allowing protesters to gather close to the main entrance and without formal permission. "Megaphones and whistles blasted away in officers' faces for over two hours."

The Gisborne youth who was charged with assault apologised and was released to his whanau. Police are considering letting him off with a formal warning.