1 Sep 2023

Kiri Allan's first appearance on charges after crash put off for nearly two weeks

10:12 pm on 1 September 2023

First published on Stuff

Justice Minister Kiri Allan at the announcement of a new ram-raid offence on 19 July 2023.

Kiri Allan's first court date to face charges relating to a crash on Wellington's Evans Bay Parade has been put off for nearly two weeks. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Former Justice minister Kiri Allan's​ first court date has been pushed back nearly two weeks.

Allan's charges were due to be called for the first time on Monday, but Stuff was advised on Friday that, by consent between her lawyer and the Crown prosecutor, the case had been adjourned on the papers until 14 September.

Residents living at the northern tip of Evans​ Bay Parade heard a loud bang between 8.30 and 9pm on 23 July. A white Hyundai Kona​ had smashed into a black Mazda ute, which was parked to the left of the road.

The ute had been shunted forward, so it was blocking a driveway. The white Hyundai EV was sticking out the side of it, blocking the parade's northbound lane. The ute was left with a damaged bumper and two flat tyres.

Police charged her with careless use of a motor vehicle, and refusing to accompany a police officer. They gave her an infringement notice because a breath test showed she had drunk too much to drive.

Allan then resigned her portfolios and later confirmed she will not stand for re-election in October.

Allan is not obliged to be at court. Low level charges can be dealt with by letter, however it is understood she was expected to be at the first appearance.

* This story was first published by Stuff, and has been updated (1/9/2023 at 10.10pm) to remove references to Kiri Allan's lawyer having requested the adjournment.

* This story was updated (5/9/2023 at 5.55pm) to remove a sentence regarding the nature of Allan being located by police.

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