The fatal police shooting of Steven Wallace is headed back to court after a coroner's decision to go ahead with an inquest into the 23-year-old's death.
The inquest was adjourned almost two years ago when Mr Wallace's father filed a private prosecution against the constable who shot Mr Wallace.
Coroner Gordon Matenga will limit the inquest to two issues - examining police policy and procedure applying to general police staff when dealing with violent offenders in similar circumstances and the provision of first aid, including the actual care given to Mr Wallace.
Mr Matenga, in a written decision, said the hearing was not a chance to re-litigate the matter.
"The court sees no reason to hear any further viva voce evidence from any witnesses called to give evidence in the High Court," he said.
Senior Constable Keith Abbott, who fatally shot Mr Wallace in Waitara on April 30, 2000, was acquitted by a High Court jury in Wellington last December of a murder charge laid by Mr Wallace's father.
A police investigation had found the constable feared for his safety and acted in self defence when he shot Mr Wallace on McLean St.
Police Association president Greg O'Connor said Mr Abbott was still a police officer.
"He is resigned to this. It has been a hell of a journey for him and his family," Mr O'Connor said.
"He will remain stoic till this thing is finally behind him."
It was good Mr Abbott would not have to give evidence again, and it would not be a rerun of the "trial circus", he said.
Lawyer John Rowan QC, who represents the Wallace family, had asked for the inquest to be resumed.
Mr Matenga said he had given Mr Rowan two weeks to file a list of witnesses he wished to call. A conference would be held in New Plymouth to decide on a hearing date, a final witness list and other arising issues.
A Police Complaints Authority report into the shooting of Mr Wallace would be prepared once the inquest was completed.
New Plymouth coroner Roger Mori had declined jurisdiction in the hearing because of his professional association with some witnesses required to give evidence.
Mr Matenga is Hamilton coroner.
Raewyn Wallace, who is preparing to write a book about the shooting of her son, said the inquest's narrow focus was another example of the family not being given a fair go.
"How do you fight the state? They are only giving us a little wee inquest because they are trying to stop the truth getting out," Mrs Wallace said.
She did not know how her family would pay for a lawyer to represent them at the inquest.
They mortgaged their home and appealed for public donations to finance the prosecution of Mr Abbott.
- NZPA
Wallace inquest to reopen
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