Wallace shot in the back, family tells court

The family of a young man shot dead by a police constable in the Taranaki town of Waitara last April says the policeman acted recklessly and used "deadly force" within 64 seconds of the two men confronting each other.

John Rowan QC is acting for the family of Steven Wallace in bringing a private prosecution for murder against Constable Keith Abbott.

Steven Wallace, aged 23, was felled by four gunshots after smashing windows on the main street of Waitara. He was carrying a golf club and softball bat.

Mr Rowan told a depositions hearing at the New Plymouth District Court this morning that Constable Abbott used his gun without properly considering lesser options such as pepper spray or his baton.

He said Steven Wallace had been disabled by the first two shots, and there was no need to fire third and fourth shots. He said one of the latter shots hit Mr Wallace in the back.

The depositions hearing is expected to last three weeks and about 80 witnesses will be called.

Constable Abbott arrived at court this morning accompanied by his wife and three police offers.

Security guards searched bags and used a metal detector to check people entering the court.