July 20, 2012

New charges laid against 'organised crime' group

By Anne Clarkson

New burglary and firearms charges have been laid against four people police allege were members of an organised criminal group.

At Christchurch District Court, Harold William McDonald, a 44-year-old manager, was charged with being in possession of a 12 gauge pump-action shotgun.

Riki William Wellington, 21, was charged with being in possession of shotgun ammunition, and six charges of burglary.

Liam Kanara, 26, was charged with six burglaries, and Juanita Fleming, 40, was charged with possession of a firearm.

McDonald already faced charges of being a member of a criminal group and possession of methamphetamine for supply, and was remanded in custody to August 17.

Wellington, a builder, and Kanara, faced charges of being involved in the conspiracy, and were both remanded in custody to August 3.

Judge Paul Kellar remanded Fleming, who had also been charged with being a member of the criminal group and possession of methamphetamine, on bail to August 17 with a curfew of 7pm-7am.

Another alleged member of the group, Anthony Reihana, 43, was remanded in custody to August 6, he had been charged with being a member of a criminal group, and driving while forbidden at his appearance last week.

At her last appearance, another alleged member of the group, Natasha Angelia Corrien Fleming, 22, was remanded on bail to September 12.

Police believe the group is responsible for at least 40 commercial burglaries in Canterbury this year involving stolen property worth about $800,000.

The police said the group targeted premises containing expensive tools, computer and electronic equipment, expensive vehicles, and cash.