Thursday, September 27, 2012

NEW ZEALAND - Faced with 11 years in jail, gang member flees from electronic bail

OFF THE WIRE
A patched Rebels gaxxx member has escaped from electronic bail. 37 year old Craig Wayne Matthews was last seen by a family member in Palmerston North on Friday morning but failed to return home to Whanganui later that day.

“Matthews was arrested as part of Operation Stamp (Rebels motorcycle gaxxx methamphetamine operation) in February last year and was to be arraigned on methamphetamine dealing and money laundering charges in the Palmerston North District Court on Friday morning, having previously accepted an 11 year sentence indication, but did not appear,” says Central District Field Crime Supervisor Detective Inspector Chris Bensemann.

A warrant for Matthews’ arrest has been issued today by the Palmerston North District Court for breaching bail conditions.

Matthews is described as New Zealand European, around 184 centimetres tall of medium to solid build. He has gaxxx associates throughout the North Island and connections in Otaki, Foxton, Hamilton, Auckland, Whangarei and Kaitaia. He should not be approached by members of the public.

Detective Inspector Bensemann says Police would like to hear from anyone with any information in relation to the current whereabouts of Craig Matthews.

http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=48710