'Missing' diver remanded for psych assessment

Colin Smithies. Photo / Supplied

A Wellington diver who allegedly led police on a costly wild goose chase after mysteriously disappearing has been remanded without plea.

Colin Smithies, 49, appeared in Wellington District Court today charged with wasting police time after an estimated $50,000 was spent looking for him.

A massive air and sea search was launched after the Commerce Commission economist went missing while diving for paua off Titahi Bay, Porirua, on January 10.

Two days later he showed up nearly 300km away at the Clive police station, south of Napier.

He returned to Wellington and was assessed at a psychiatric unit.

Judge Carrie Wainwright today remanded him at the unit until February 21 in order to allow time for a psychiatric report to be prepared.

Smithies, looking well-groomed and dressed in a green shirt and pants, looked down most of the time with arms at his side, showing little emotion.

- NZPA