The man accused of smashing a window at Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ house this week has appeared in court, but cannot be named.
The 29-year-old appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning on a charge of burglary.
He entered a not guilty plea and elected to have a trial by jury.
Judge Claire Ryan granted the man interim name suppression, which will be reviewed at his next appearance in February next year. 1News is unable to publish details about the submission for name suppression.
Police were called to the house in St Mary’s Bay at about 5.40pm on Monday. The man was arrested later that evening after handing himself in, police said.
Peters condemned the attack as “truly gutless” and said he wasn’t home at the time, but his partner and a guest were.
Speaking on Breakfast on Tuesday, Peters said he was in a Cabinet meeting when his staff informed him of the incident.
“He climbed on the balustrade and put a notice on the door, and then with his crowbar smashed the window all over the dog, poor thing. We had to vacuum the dog and make sure there were no shards of glass on him, it’s just outrageous.”
Asked what was written on the note, Peters said: “Welcome to the real world”.
There had earlier been protests outside the NZ First leader’s house after the interception by Israeli forces of a flotilla of activists heading to Gaza carrying symbolic aid.
Aboard were three Kiwis, who were due to return to New Zealand later today after being detained and deported.
Speaking about any protest action, police urged participants to “remain within the bounds of the law”.
“Police recognise the right to lawful protest. However, we will not condone protest action where property is damaged,” Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Sunny Patel said.
By Ed O’Driscoll
