Diver accused of wasting police time reappears in court

Colin Smithies. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A Wellington man accused of wasting police time after disappearing during a diving trip was further remanded without plea when he reappeared in Wellington District Court today.

Colin Smithies, 49, was charged after failing to return home after diving for paua off Titahi Bay, Porirua, on January 10.

A big air and sea search, costing an estimated $50,000, was launched before he showed up nearly 300km away at Clive police station, south of Napier two days later.

After appearing in court last month he was remanded for remanded for a psychiatric reported to be prepared.

Today the court was told that he was expected to make a complete recovery.

He is due back in court on March 14.

- NZPA