Media Release
30 March 2005

Victim Seeks Justice From The Grave - Peters

Rt Hon Winston Peters today demanded answers from the Police Minister on the events surrounding the death of a man following an altercation with an off duty police officer in Auckland last November.

Michael Famodun, 33, who died last month, left a detailed account of how he was assaulted in the Countdown car park in Lynnfield by a police officer who objected to him using a space set aside for the disabled.

“Mr Famodun had earlier that day been released from Auckland Hospital where he had been treated for a chronic long term illness,” said Mr Peters.

“He claims to have been assaulted by the police officer, who was not in uniform at the time, and when he tried to get medical help the officer accused him of trickery.”

Mr Peters, who raised the issue in Parliament, said an ambulance had to be called by Mr Famodun’s cousin, who was with him at the time, and he was also assisted by passers-by.

“Mr Famodun later died. The family have lodged a complaint with the Police Complaints Authority. In my opinion, this is a very serious case.

“A situation involving a police officer got totally out of control and it appears that the victim’s plight was ignored in the most callous way.

“A full, thorough and urgent explanation from the Minister and Commissioner is called for to restore public confidence,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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