Fake cop fights for security licence
A former male stripper, security guard and aspiring private investigator cleared of impersonating a police officer is fighting to keep his security licence.
Shane Casbolt, 31, was stopped entering Christchurch District Court last year wearing police-style gear, including a stab-proof vest, a pepper spray canister and an extendable baton.
Casbolt, who has previously been fined for impersonating an officer, was charged with impersonating a police employee and carrying an offensive weapon.
But a judge found that although Casbolt’s uniform, which bore a New Zealand coat of arms, might have led a member of the public to believe he worked for Corrections or Customs “or the like”, nobody would believe he was a serving police officer.
Judge Gerard Lynch did say, however, that Casbolt, who describes himself as a security guard, investigator and process server and has previously tried to run a free street hospital service, wanted to be seen as part of the government enforcement scene.
He ruled that the baton Casbolt was carrying — bought from a martial arts store — was an offensive weapon.
Casbolt called it a “bite stick” and said he used it to deter dogs he might face when serving papers “to people who are not the friendliest”.
Judge Lynch noted the baton could also have been used on people.
Casbolt was at the Christchurch courthouse on September 9 last year to swear an affidavit about a document having been served.
He was stopped at the door and the gear seized. He was charged despite arguing he had worn it to the courthouse on up to six previous visits.
The judge said he could easily have left the gear in his car.
After Judge Lynch earlier found the offensive weapon charge proved, defence counsel Elena Stavrovska said Casbolt would apply for a discharge without conviction.
She said there was a real risk the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority could revoke Casbolt’s certificate of approval which allows him to operate in the industry.
The authority, which has received several complaints from members of the public about Casbolt, is aware he has been charged but is yet to make a final decision, Stavrovska said.
Judge Lynch adjourned the sentencing hearing.