Defence Force won't appeal bridge ruling

The Defence Force says it is working towards a "legally sound end" to the long-running Berrymans' bridge saga, after deciding not to appeal the High Court recent judgment.

Beekeeper Kenneth Richards died when a bridge built by the army for Keith and Margaret Berryman on their King Country farm collapsed in 1994.

Last month High Court Justice Jill Mallon quashed the 1997 finding by Taumarunui coroner Tim Scott that responsibility for Mr Richards' death "must largely lie" with the Berrymans.

But she made no finding about whether or not the army was at fault either in the design or construction of the bridge or in its conduct at the inquest.

Justice Mallon called on the two parties to get together and resolve the outstanding legal issues in the 14-year dispute - two proceedings due to start in the High Court and Court of Appeal in this month June.

Defence Force spokesman Dave Courtney said today they would not pursue an appeal against Justice Mallon's ruling

He said the Defence Force had just entered into discussions with Crown Law about how to resolve the dispute.

There was no known timeframe on the discussions with Crown Law but the army was working towards a "legally sound end".

- NZPA