Ric Stevens is a Multimedia Journalist specialising in Open Justice reporting at Hawke's Bay Today.
I have worked in journalism for about 40 years, including as a political reporter at Parliament and in senior roles at a number of daily newspapers. In the course of my career I have met 10 prime ministers and covered topics as diverse as riots, earthquakes and murder trials, among many other things. I stepped aside from daily journalism for a while in 2016 to complete a master's degree and then found myself working for four years on the front line of the criminal justice system, as a probation officer. This has helped inform my current reporting on crime and justice. I was delighted to be able to come back to journalism as a member of NZME's Open Justice team in 2022.
Year-long wait for trial in Ariki Rigby murder case
Justice Karen Grau acknowledged emotions were 'very raw' for victim's family.
'I will always love you:' Inmate's final words to girlfriend before prison death
Dolphy Kohu was facing charges of attempted murder of two police officers.
Judge to career burglar: 'Stop making promises and actually do something'
Pre-sentence report said Reijhan Green was a 'high-risk' offender with a violent history.
‘National disgrace’: NZ’s landmark Abuse in Care inquiry finds 200,000 harmed
The 3000-page report calls for apologies, redress and police investigations.
Released rapist and killer still 'high risk' after serving all of 20-year jail term
Basil Mist offended against five girls aged 7 to 15 and killed his girlfriend.
'Very high risk' violent sex offender on the run after cutting off ankle bracelet
Leslie Peter Ross' history includes kidnap, rape and wounding with intent to injure.
No job, no insurance - burglar learns hard way about consequences of crime
Man who stole from orchard tries and fails to get discharge without conviction.
‘Horrific’ abuse: Treatment of Lake Alice children was torture, inquiry finds
Electric shocks and painful injections were used for punishment.