Veitch expected to face up to five assault charges

Tony Veitch. Photo / Doug Sherring

Tony Veitch is expected to face up to five assault charges as early as tomorrow but new questions are emerging over the police inquiry and a message accidentally left on Veitch's answerphone by a detective.

It is understood police are considering one charge - assault with reckless disregard - in relation to the incident at Veitch's St Heliers home in January 2006, and up to four charges related to other alleged incidents involving former partner Kristin Dunne Powell.

Veitch could appear in the Auckland District Court as early as tomorrow. But new questions are being raised over the police inquiry, including the use of seven police staff to search Veitch's home on Friday - a computer hard drive, two laptops and a cellphone were among items seized - and a message on the broadcaster's home answerphone.

A detective left a voice message with Veitch on Thursday night, requesting a formal interview.

About an hour later, the detective, apparently unaware that her phone had accidentally redialled Veitch's house, is recorded as saying: "I bet he doesn't speak with that smile on his face now, really."