Private prosecution threat
Serial litigant Graham McCready is threatening private prosecution of Labour MP Meka Whaitiri if police ‘‘refuse to act’’.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stood the customs minister aside earlier this week while an investigation is carried out following allegations of shouting during which it is understood there was physical contact. Stuff has been told a staff member was allegedly pushed out a door.
McCready notified police, Ardern and Whaitiri that he ‘‘fully expect[s] the police to investigate these allegations of assault committed by Meka Whaitiri and if warranted prosecute her. ‘‘If the police ... refuse to act the New Zealand Private Prosecution Service Ltd gives notice that the service will commence a private prosecution against Meka Whaitiri without further delay or notice.’’
Sources told Stuff on Thursday that police were not involved but said it was too early in the investigation to rule that in or out.
A letter from the New Zealand Private Prosecution Service said: ‘‘I Graham Edward McCready, Private Prosecutor, have reasonable and probable grounds to believe and do believe that on or about 30 August 2018 the alleged offender did assault the alleged victim in the grounds of Parliament at Wellington’’. His source of evidence was: ‘‘Extensive media coverage and statements by the prime minister.’’
A police spokesperson said on Saturday: ‘‘Police are aware of a complaint from a third party which will be assessed’’.
Last year, McCready, a retired accountant, threatened to take Todd Barclay and Bill English to court. McCready has taken on several other politicians in court, including John Banks, Trevor Mallard, and John Key.
His case against Mallard was successful, as was his case against Banks, although that decision was later overturned.