Police want tougher charges for 'rioters'

03 Dec 2007 06:03p.m.

kiwifirst wrote:

Good bloody job to you,(redneck so call NZers)you created this Shit,so live with in.This is society you birdbrains made it be so good dam job Ha ha ha.

30 Aug 2007 12:24p.m.

Michael Henry wrote:

It would seem that events like this are almost a 'Right of Passage' initiation for University students. Something to brag about for years. Time to bring back Compulsory Military Training. Then when occasions like this arise in future (if they do) Judges could have the authority to suspend the student's studies, until after the offending student has completed two years CMT!Then a much better prepared individual could continue with their studies on probation, until their studies are completed or they transgress and back into uniform! A random thought, but why not?They certainly lack any personal discipline, have no idea how to live in a society respecting the Rights of others. Scary idea, but it WOULD WORK!

30 Aug 2007 09:33a.m.

cath wrote:

I understand that in the past the courts have discharged without conviction students for this type of behaviour.I do not beleive for one minute that if I set a couch alight in our street the Courts would discharge me.

30 Aug 2007 07:43a.m.

Josie wrote:

I can't believe students have not learnt the meaning of consequence, action and reaction. Once there is a large gathering of people, it is easy for something to get out of control, especially with alcohol involved. Burning couches in a public place is NOT OK, it doesn't even represent sound thinking or demonstrate responsibility. There are laws in every country, and being a student does not mean you are excluded from the laws that keep our community safe. These include noise control for private properties. Police are employed to enforce these laws and they like every other citizen deserve to be shown respect when doing their jobs. They do not go to work to have their lives disregarded. Landlords have invested in property rented by students & deserve to have their property treated with respect. Students had choices, the 1st being to disperse when things began to get out of control. Students are not exempt from the law and now deserve to face the consequences, whatever they may be.

29 Aug 2007 11:59p.m.

asam wrote:

I believe some comments came from university students. God help us..they can't even spell.

29 Aug 2007 11:13p.m.

Allister wrote:

Media Sensationalism, hype & catchy headlines for a news story to fill in a quiet news day to send the vocal minority of older people bordering on selective alzheimers into a whining frenzy,seems to have worked.Luke I back u up,while not involved I do live close & until the cops showed things were nowhere near the so called riot until police turned up.Like you say Sarah events like street parties have happened for years and the surburbs of Nth D would have to be pretty much one of the safest places to live in the country. Daniel-for you to say you watched the video you really dont see much to be making judgements.As for punishment, yes, sure to a degree, maybe something worthy like cleanup next day/week.The thought of prison sentences is just stupid. For the police to come out and say we want to up the charges just because it was students and undie500 weekend is discriminatory and will do no good to the police/student rapport which is generally pretty good.

29 Aug 2007 06:28p.m.

James wrote:

College/University students now days, which includes you Luke, have to be the most pathetic generation of dweebs in history. Try to get a refund of your school fees because you haven't learned a THING! Disturbing the peace, vandelism, arson, etc. are ALL against the law. For those who were caught; suffer the consequences fools.

29 Aug 2007 05:25p.m.

Luke wrote:

If you werent there you really have no idea..enough said. Videos show some of the night, not what we experienced ourselves. Its a pity my video didnt turn out of our brilliant police force being racists, attacking girls and throwing people over fences. How would you like to be attacked in your own home by a police officer, for doing NOTHING wrong? Thought so

29 Aug 2007 05:06p.m.

keef wrote:

Should have used water cannons on the crowd with a tear gas chaser;give them the flu on a cold night instead of court.Summary punishment,saves court time and convictions that will affect the rest of their lives.I am sure there are 2 sides to this story, but no batons were seen in the police charge vid.I am all for drinking and fun, but..........

29 Aug 2007 03:15p.m.

Daniel wrote:

You people who are saying the cops were the bad guys and the students were just having fun and it's dunedin tradition etc are forgetting a major, major part of this story. WE HAVE THE VIDEO. Watch the videos here, especially the longer uncensored ones. You will see with your own eyes that the police were extremely non-violent with the people who were throwing bottles at them. You will also see the students lighting fires near houses and burning vehicles. While you may think it is a good bit of fun, the majority of New Zealanders want punishment for potentially lethal arsonists who also attack police and leave an enormous mess for the city to clean up not to mention vandalise other's property and make a huge amount of noise until dawn. Breaking the law carries consequences, everyone knows that. This was a full-scale riot, and the police should have locked up many, many more people during it, and judging by the video, the rioters were VERY lucky not to be beaten up by the cops.