-
Jan Molenaar - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
A coroner's inquest has revealed that slain policeman Len Snee's protective vest went missing more than a year before he was shot by gunman Jan Molenaar during the Napier siege.
It was the second day of the hearing in the Napier District Court where police procedures leading up to the 50 hour siege last May were again under scrutiny.
Inspector Joseph Green gave evidence about Molenaar's surrendered firearms licence, which local police should have followed up.
"Molenaar retained possession of at least one firearm following the surrender of his licence. He was still in possession of a military firearm he purchased in 1990," he told the enquiry.
In fact Molenaar was found with 18 military-style loaded guns, but he had no firearms licence, and although police had been warned of the arms stash several years earlier, it was not followed up.
Coroner David Crerar says he is concerned at the lack of response.
Details of secret negotiations between the police and Molenaar during the siege were also revealed at the inquest. Molenaar's partner Delwyn Keefe played a key role.
"It became apparent as the morning progressed that Molenaar was in a depressed state. He reiterated on a couple of occasions that he didn't want to harm any police," police negotiator Lance Burdett told the court.
The Labour Department has also pointed out the police officers' failure to carry out a proper briefing before the drug raid.
Health and Safety Inspector Paul West told the inquest some organisational procedures were not followed in the planning of the search and execution warrant.
"Staff present on the search were less than originally planned and this may have affected the ability to control the situation," he says.
Police defended their actions.
"I don't believe it was unreasonable to execute that search warrant with three staff," says Superintendent Antony McLeod.
The inquest also heard how Snee's protective vest went missing over a year before he was killed and was never replaced.
However, West says a vest would not have prevented the injuries from a high-powered rifle such as the one used by Molenaar.
In an unsual move Len Snee's wife Vicki came out of the public gallery and asked a question. She asked at what stage they decided to move his body.
Police say during negotiations they had to focus on the positive things with Molenaar which is perhaps why Snee's body had to stay there for so long.
Latest NZ News Video
-
Dance to save Shakti service (0:41)
-
The changing face of farming (1:49)
-
ONE Weather 6pm update: 26 May (4:56)
