Ric Stevens is a Multimedia Journalist specialising in Open Justice reporting at Hawke's Bay Today.
I have worked in journalism for about 40 years, including as a political reporter at Parliament and in senior roles at a number of daily newspapers. In the course of my career I have met 10 prime ministers and covered topics as diverse as riots, earthquakes and murder trials, among many other things. I stepped aside from daily journalism for a while in 2016 to complete a master's degree and then found myself working for four years on the front line of the criminal justice system, as a probation officer. This has helped inform my current reporting on crime and justice. I was delighted to be able to come back to journalism as a member of NZME's Open Justice team in 2022.
![Drug importer's house seizure linked to Bitcoin, the dark web and $268k of US meth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Drug importer's house seizure linked to Bitcoin, the dark web and $268k of US meth
The owner only had $25,000 left to pay on his mortgage.
![Former lauded Corrections staffer jailed for pressuring boyfriend's rape victim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Former lauded Corrections staffer jailed for pressuring boyfriend's rape victim
Former Muldoon secretary and probation officer became involved with 'serious criminal'.
![Man who scaled courtroom barrier to attack relative's murderer admits guilt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man who scaled courtroom barrier to attack relative's murderer admits guilt
Arohaina Henare was stabbed to death by Moses Mohi Taua in 2022.
![Drink-driver tries to escape charge due to officer’s ‘mere presence’ while considering blood test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Drink-driver tries to escape charge due to officer’s ‘mere presence’ while considering blood test
He claimed his 10 min to consider a blood test was interrupted by the officer next to him.
![Police 'failure' as arson accused kept in jail for 286 days after another suspect identified](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Police 'failure' as arson accused kept in jail for 286 days after another suspect identified
Edmond Apanui will receive compensation for 'significant procedural failure' by police.
![Hefty costs order leaves sour taste in mouth of anti-fluoridation group](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hefty costs order leaves sour taste in mouth of anti-fluoridation group
Court case was in the public interest - campaigners says costs ruling 'really unfair'.
![David Tamihere intending Supreme Court bid as murder convictions upheld: 'I’ll keep at it'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
David Tamihere intending Supreme Court bid as murder convictions upheld: 'I’ll keep at it'
'You've got to grab them by the short and curlies,' a defiant Tamihere says.
!['Tell us where to find Heidi': Police challenge David Tamihere as murder convictions upheld](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Tell us where to find Heidi': Police challenge David Tamihere as murder convictions upheld
Court of Appeal finds a miscarriage of justice but won't quash his murder conviction.
!['Justice for a young victim:' Guilty verdicts in ram raid, kidnap and rape case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Justice for a young victim:' Guilty verdicts in ram raid, kidnap and rape case
Police: 'She’s shown a tremendous amount of courage to come forward and make a complaint.'
![Man accused of ram-raid, teen rape and kidnap claims it's all 'lies'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man accused of ram-raid, teen rape and kidnap claims it's all 'lies'
Crown: 'Does it make any sense that she should make up false allegations about him?'
![Unregistered anti-vax doctor kept practising under 'Māori customary law'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Unregistered anti-vax doctor kept practising under 'Māori customary law'
A pharmacy contacted the Medical Council after receiving prescriptions from the doctor.
![Man charged with ram-raid and rape calls victim's relative a 'compulsive liar'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man charged with ram-raid and rape calls victim's relative a 'compulsive liar'
The man says he's got an alibi: 'It would be impossible for me to commit these offences'.
!['Remorseful' murderer argues that a life prison sentence is unjust](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Remorseful' murderer argues that a life prison sentence is unjust
Wheeler stabbed Richard Wallace to death over drug debt of less than $100.
![Family cannabis business: Daughter was boss, mum did deliveries, dad kept the accounts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Family cannabis business: Daughter was boss, mum did deliveries, dad kept the accounts
'Blood is thicker than common sense,' says defence lawyer.
![Pyramid scheme promoter Shelly Cullen cops a record $5.9m in fines and penalties](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Pyramid scheme promoter Shelly Cullen cops a record $5.9m in fines and penalties
Shelly Cullen has now been hit with a record $5.9m in fines and penalties.
!['48-hour nightmare': Teen allegedly kidnapped, raped after $20k ATM heist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'48-hour nightmare': Teen allegedly kidnapped, raped after $20k ATM heist
Now a father and son are on trial together in the High Court at Napier.
![Police eavesdrop on private communications to bust meth ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Police eavesdrop on private communications to bust meth ring
Bishop associated with Brydon Boyce, who had meth in his system at time of fatal crash.
![Woman's crucial role as mule for a jailhouse drug ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Woman's crucial role as mule for a jailhouse drug ring
When Freedom Walker visited her partner in jail, she took meth and cannabis with her.
![Gambled away: Trusted manager's $500,000 fraud leaves workmates traumatised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Gambled away: Trusted manager's $500,000 fraud leaves workmates traumatised
Katie Watson stole items from her employer, then sold them online to feed her addiction.
!['Injured mana': Reformed criminal turned drug counsellor sought $700,000 compensation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Injured mana': Reformed criminal turned drug counsellor sought $700,000 compensation
Paora Sweeney wanted a marae-based apology from the prison manager for 'injury' to mana.
![Ex-con supplied pistols to criminal underworld shortly before gun crime spiked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ex-con supplied pistols to criminal underworld shortly before gun crime spiked
Police say they have intercepted numerous Alfa Carbines cut down to hand guns.
![Cops move in to confiscate Tribesmen gang's $540k HQ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cops move in to confiscate Tribesmen gang's $540k HQ
The shed is on 'tainted' property and used at the Tribesmen's Christchurch headquarters.
!['I feel like a stalker': Drunk principal fell off chair during meeting, had affair with teacher aide](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I feel like a stalker': Drunk principal fell off chair during meeting, had affair with teacher aide
She also reduced teachers to tears with the aggressive way she ran her school.
![Police find hundreds of cannabis plants in house - and two overstayers hidden in the roof](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Police find hundreds of cannabis plants in house - and two overstayers hidden in the roof
Indoor cannabis-growing operation described as a "very serious commercial enterprise".
![Youth crime: A teen robber’s two-year trail of $190k mayhem revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Youth crime: A teen robber’s two-year trail of $190k mayhem revealed
Teenagers netted $140,000 of watches, rings and medallions in 45-second raid.
![School worker, charged with indecency, told to surrender passport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
School worker, charged with indecency, told to surrender passport
Man remanded on bail to appear in the Hastings court again on July 2.
![Warnings about pyramid scammer's new investment scheme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Warnings about pyramid scammer's new investment scheme
'I jump from scam to scam because I can,' absent promoter Shelly Cullen has said.
![Teacher groomed girl from 12, slept with her at 16, married her at 22](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Teacher groomed girl from 12, slept with her at 16, married her at 22
The offending came to light when the woman complained to Australian police.
![Terrorised, battered woman was tied up and left on a bed - then she smelled smoke](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Terrorised, battered woman was tied up and left on a bed - then she smelled smoke
Recidivist offender's chilling words: 'I can't let you go because you'll nark.'
![Gang boss with fake motorbike licence unhappy he must now do the time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Gang boss with fake motorbike licence unhappy he must now do the time
Albert Epere argued community work was unfair.
![Police officers assaulted, wounded after stopping speeding driver](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Police officers assaulted, wounded after stopping speeding driver
Speeding motorist loses appeal against convictions for assault and wounding.
![Anti-fluoride group loses High Court bid to stop Hastings council adding fluoride to water](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Anti-fluoride group loses High Court bid to stop Hastings council adding fluoride to water
Fluoridation in Hastings water recommenced on April 8, 2024.
![Retailer Crackerjack fined for selling children’s nightware that breached fire safety label rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Retailer Crackerjack fined for selling children’s nightware that breached fire safety label rules
Prosecution followed inspection which found non-compliant sleepware in Napier store.
![Phone data, text message seal meth-making man's fate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Phone data, text message seal meth-making man's fate
Cellphone data put accused man at property where methamphetamine was being made.
!['I truly thought I was going to die': Man lifted partner by her throat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I truly thought I was going to die': Man lifted partner by her throat
Thomas Tuhou, who watched true crimes, told her strangulation was the perfect murder.
![Murderers who stabbed man who ‘narked’ on Mongrel Mob boss get extra jail time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Murderers who stabbed man who ‘narked’ on Mongrel Mob boss get extra jail time
The men murdered Eli Johnson in 2022 for 'narking' on a gang boss.
![Clumsy Auckland car thief caught with DNA database after leaving bloody trails](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Clumsy Auckland car thief caught with DNA database after leaving bloody trails
He cut himself twice - once with a screwdriver, again breaking a car window.
![Two more jail terms after seven-on-one gang-related prison assault](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Two more jail terms after seven-on-one gang-related prison assault
The attack was captured on the prison’s CCTV.
!['You owe these people': Online scammer will take 11 years to repay his victims $8700](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'You owe these people': Online scammer will take 11 years to repay his victims $8700
Paul Sutton can only afford to make repayments of $15 a week.
![Kathleen Kawana death: Police claim she was murdered in Hastings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kathleen Kawana death: Police claim she was murdered in Hastings
The murder-accused has been remanded in custody and has name suppression.
![Woman with no job for six years but $49k in cash strikes a deal with police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Woman with no job for six years but $49k in cash strikes a deal with police
The drug dealer, who was also caught with cannabis, has forfeited the cash.
![Patient complains of sexual assault by nurse, then hears nothing for two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Patient complains of sexual assault by nurse, then hears nothing for two years
Patient complained they received no contact or apology for two years.
!['Holy s***!': Violent gang member reacts as he learns how long his jail term is](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Holy s***!': Violent gang member reacts as he learns how long his jail term is
Victims included an innocent householder, a prison guard, a policewoman and two inmates.
![Mother of kidnapped girls: 'He has taken away innocence of childhood'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mother of kidnapped girls: 'He has taken away innocence of childhood'
One girl who ran to escape returned to help her sister.
!['Extreme and prolonged violence': Man punched, kicked as he lay prone on prison floor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Extreme and prolonged violence': Man punched, kicked as he lay prone on prison floor
Review by prison inspectorate is under way after gang-related assault.
![Two axehead-shaped holes in front doors of courthouse, hearings delayed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Two axehead-shaped holes in front doors of courthouse, hearings delayed
Jurors and lawyers waited outside while broken glass was cleared away.
![Man who 'foiled' ankle monitoring bracelet objects to being jailed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man who 'foiled' ankle monitoring bracelet objects to being jailed
Matthew James Vernall says the judge was wrong to refuse a home-based sentence.
![Callous, uncaring man 'became criminal' during sex with young woman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Callous, uncaring man 'became criminal' during sex with young woman
Woman did not know two men who picked her up and took her to a motel.
![Comancheros-linked mother wins reprieve from deportation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Comancheros-linked mother wins reprieve from deportation
Deportation liability notice 'almost certain' if discharge without conviction refused.
!['Money mule': Security guard who worked in loss prevention involved in scam](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Money mule': Security guard who worked in loss prevention involved in scam
He acted as a middleman for a financial scammer and now has to repay $10k.
![Man has 100+ shoplifting convictions, but doesn't think he should be in jail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man has 100+ shoplifting convictions, but doesn't think he should be in jail
Lukin Hamlin stole hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars worth of goods in one go.
![Jehovah’s Witnesses fail in latest bid to be excluded from abuse inquiry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Jehovah’s Witnesses fail in latest bid to be excluded from abuse inquiry
The commission is now due to make its final report by June 26.
![Unjustified: Girl, 13, bitten by police dog after dangerously driving stolen vehicle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Unjustified: Girl, 13, bitten by police dog after dangerously driving stolen vehicle
The young teen was one of seven in a stolen vehicle and believed to fleeing.
![Mother ‘totally shattered’ after son beaten to death by Mongrel Mob associates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mother ‘totally shattered’ after son beaten to death by Mongrel Mob associates
Police thank people who provided information as gang associates are sent to jail.
![How one victim tracked down a burglar on a crime spree](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How one victim tracked down a burglar on a crime spree
A set of keys with a GPS fob attached was one of the items Layna Brown stole.
![Hastings council fined after 200 cubic metres of wastewater spills onto highway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hastings council fined after 200 cubic metres of wastewater spills onto highway
Court told Hastings council has had 25 other breaches since 2019.
![How a fraudster broke into bank accounts with simple mobile phone ploy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How a fraudster broke into bank accounts with simple mobile phone ploy
Casey Smith stole $50,000 after getting a new SIM card for the victim’s phone number.
![Motorcyclist dies after unlicensed driver runs him over, then flees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Motorcyclist dies after unlicensed driver runs him over, then flees
Family's lives 'achingly quiet' after loved one's death, daughter tells court.
![Meth offender claims $31k seized cash was from selling 5205 pipes - police say yeah right](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Meth offender claims $31k seized cash was from selling 5205 pipes - police say yeah right
Cops calculated former Mob boss would have had to have made more than 5000 pipes.
!['Shell of a person': Woman left with brain injury and in lifelong care after partner beat her](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Shell of a person': Woman left with brain injury and in lifelong care after partner beat her
The woman was found unconscious on a soiled mattress; abuser's appeal dismissed.
![Lying nurse told schizophrenic patient her children were his](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Lying nurse told schizophrenic patient her children were his
They met when she was assigned to care for him in a mental health clinic.
![Man who slapped wife in argument over rice fights to return to NZ after 427 days jail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man who slapped wife in argument over rice fights to return to NZ after 427 days jail
The man's conviction was quashed, now he's trying to return from India to see his child.
![Man skipped bail for alleged drug-dealing in Mongolia, allowed to stay in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man skipped bail for alleged drug-dealing in Mongolia, allowed to stay in NZ
If he returned to Mongolia there was a likelihood he would be tortured.
!['Put down': Violent inmate stomps on duck after it landed in prison yard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Put down': Violent inmate stomps on duck after it landed in prison yard
The prisoner was charged with attacking the bird, which had to be put down.
![Slain Mob boss had $230k in car when police busted meth-dealing ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Slain Mob boss had $230k in car when police busted meth-dealing ring
Daniel Eliu was shot dead outside a South Auckland church.
![Girl foils sex offender by using his phone to save evidence and summon help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Girl foils sex offender by using his phone to save evidence and summon help
Stephen Wayne Beattie hid phone in girl's bedroom to make videos of her.
![Guitar tutor gives girl, 7, a phone loaded with porn images](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Guitar tutor gives girl, 7, a phone loaded with porn images
Logan Paul Hugo also groomed a 14-year-old online and then went to have sex with her.
![Man makes an obscenity-laden TikTok about victims after being released from prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man makes an obscenity-laden TikTok about victims after being released from prison
Stephen Elliot was originally jailed for assaulting them in a Salvation Army store.
!['Gang overtones': Terrified occupants saw taser sparking in the dark as trio tried to break in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Gang overtones': Terrified occupants saw taser sparking in the dark as trio tried to break in
One of the victims has moved away, still fearful of the Black Power associates.
![Teen shooting: Victim loses an eye but gunman's driver unhappy because he can't get a job now](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Teen shooting: Victim loses an eye but gunman's driver unhappy because he can't get a job now
Scaffolder Nashyn Williams had to resign after being convicted for his role in the crime.
!['Our little secret': Teen cried and hugged her puppy during rape](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Our little secret': Teen cried and hugged her puppy during rape
Her rapist tried to appeal his convictions after being sent to prison for 10 years.
![St John failed in care of heart attack patient after 111 call](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
St John failed in care of heart attack patient after 111 call
His GP told him to call an ambulance urgently and not drive himself to hospital.
![Some weeks their pay packets were empty - now they've triggered a court case over low pay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Some weeks their pay packets were empty - now they've triggered a court case over low pay
RSE pay deduction issues are likely to 'resonate' throughout NZ, lawyer tells court.
![Man accused of murder of Javon Aranui named](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man accused of murder of Javon Aranui named
Name suppression continues for a second man charged with murder.
![Drug dealer found with $91k of meth, $14,500 cash three months after prison release](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Drug dealer found with $91k of meth, $14,500 cash three months after prison release
Police monitored meth dealer's phone calls and texts for a month before raiding house.
![Former Napier mortgage broker sentenced for falsifying loan applications](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Former Napier mortgage broker sentenced for falsifying loan applications
Natalie Ann Carter applied for seven loans totaling nearly $3 million.