First conviction made over Dunedin Undie 500 riot

6 comments | Post Comment

Print Text Size:

The Dunedin riots

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:00a.m.

The first person to be convicted for his role in last Saturday's Undie 500 student riot in Dunedin has been fined $630 for disorderly behaviour.

He was only one of more than 50 people called at a special court sitting in Dunedin to find out his fate - the rest, including those on the more serious charge of rioting, were remanded until next month.

James Beckwith, one of those charged for his role in the riot, said he regretted his behaviour.

"There was just so many people and adrenaline," says Beckwith. "I guess you just feel obliged to do something like everyone else."

Ten people are charged with rioting and more are likely to follow.

14 people will have their cases heard outside of Dunedin after indicating that they would plead guilty.

Police met with the Mayor, Fire service and University today to discuss the weekend's events.

They plan to tell the Undie 500 organisers the rally is no longer welcome in Dunedin.

More on this story:

Wed 29-Aug-2007

Police want tougher charges for 'rioters'

Mon 27-Aug-2007

Undie 500 may be banned after Dunedin riot

Sun 26-Aug-2007

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Comments [6]

renee

11 Sep 2007 9:50p.m.

Michael Henry i am pretty sure that you are just sad that you had a boring night watching tv and wasnt invited out to participate with your friend(s?) and thats ok but i am sure that james shouldnt be singled out here i mean how many peple did they say were packed into hyde and castle street? and its just unucky that he got caught, its called having a good time and students will be students you cant change that..oh and i am sure that anyone who was in the thick of it chose to be there and knew what to expect. there is nothing that can be done about it and it will continue either way so how about all you old people get over yourselves and stop making such a fuss over nothing!

jimay

31 Aug 2007 11:24p.m.

that depends on where their fine ends up.

Mia

31 Aug 2007 10:25p.m.

$630!!! This was a gang of thugs intimidating people and destroying other people's property. Yes, Police cars ARE other people's property. If it had been a gang of Black Power, Road Knights or a group of unemployed thugs lighting fires, abusing Police and rioting- $630? Are you kidding? If this kind of behavoiur isn't treated as serious now,woe betide New Zealand. Next time, as there will be, I suggest the Fire Brigade get out their fire hoses and hose all our future leaders, doctors and lawyers down. Then if there is ANY suggestion that the poor little darlings have been assaulted, I'm sure there will be most of the community prepared to support the police and emergency services' right to defend the community. Bollocks to the Judical system that looks as though it has supported the student gangs last weekend.

Michael Henry

31 Aug 2007 10:02p.m.

James Beckwith, properly contrite now he has been caught!You just feel obliged to do something like everyone else? Then you won't mind if one of the citizens of Dunedin takes out a civil case against you in addition to the punishment you will receive from the criminal court? Oh! and the possibility of your being 'booted' out of University? No self discipline, no self control, that is how riots eventuate. You helped, expect little sympathy from most sane New Zealanders, their patience has been repeatedly abused by students for years. Now it is little pay back time.You are lucky someone was not killed or badly injured.What then with your contrition?

Terrie

31 Aug 2007 9:41p.m.

One down, dozens to go.

Ian

31 Aug 2007 7:55p.m.

I trust that those so charged will be forced to pay the cost of the damage to property and the services used to clean up their mess. Or does the rate payer foot the bill again, as usual.