Mayoral candidate fined
A man with ambitions of becoming Tararua mayor has been fined for disorderly behaviour at a police station.
Woodville man Mitch Mchardy, who is running to be Tararua mayor, was fined $150 in the Palmerston North District Court on Friday, for disorderly behaviour at the Palmerston North police station.
The 31-year-old is running against James Harold and incumbent Tararua mayor Tracey Collis in October’s local government elections.
According to the police summary of facts, Mchardy, who didn’t appear in court, entered the police station on July 15 in an agitated state and demanded to see an inspector.
His request was denied, but Mchardy continued to be disorderly.
He then ‘‘became involved with another matter . . . involving another agitated male, making the situation worse’’.
Mchardy ignored requests to leave.
‘‘After further discussion he told the victim ‘you’re next’ while gesturing what was interpreted as a firearm with his hand towards the victim.’’
Mchardy was then arrested. In his explanation to police, Mchardy said he did not intend for his actions to be interpreted as a threat.
When speaking to Stuff after the hearing, Mchardy disputed the police version of events.
He said he was going into the station to ask to speak to someone.
‘‘There was another guy in strife and I offered to support him.’’
He admitted to pointing at a police officer, but said there were many ways that could be interpreted.
He didn’t think the conviction would affect his mayoralty campaign.
‘‘I haven’t done anything wrong.’’