Bikers collide with Police car in Buller Gorge (1 December)

**nadroj** · 26th May 2009, 12:24

Anyone hear the sentence? I missed it on the lunchtime one news...

**Marmoot** · 26th May 2009, 13:43

Originally Posted by firefighter

He was a cop doing his job, which he is ORDERED to do, he made a mistake, a very bad one, AND has probably been ordered to NOT admit liability....

Exactly the point. People need to realise this is not about one cop's mistake. This is a systemic failure on the government (well, the previous government) to ensure the priority of policing: security, safety, enforcement.
Over the last 8 years enforcement gradually came first, followed by safety, and security.

Someone needs to get the direction right once again if they are serious about NZ.

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 26th May 2009, 13:53

Originally Posted by nadroj

Anyone hear the sentence? I missed it on the lunchtime one news...

assume you mean this
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-sto...00-reparation/

**Beemer** · 26th May 2009, 13:54

Very pleased to hear he has to pay reparation - not that $30,000 per rider will make up for it. At least it's better than a slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket and it does prove he was in the wrong, no matter what.

**Hitcher** · 26th May 2009, 13:54

That sounds fair.

**James Deuce** · 26th May 2009, 13:56

He got hammered. That's deeply unfair.

For a similar accident with injuries that have long term implications the dude who hurt me had to pay $600. Albeit 17 years ago.

There's definitely a message in the punishment but it is hugely disproportionate with what a "Joe Public" would have been handed in the same circumstances.

**Fatjim** · 26th May 2009, 14:17

I wonder who'll pay the 60k? I'm not sure that level of fine would be made unless

a. Someone like his employer, or his union/association are paying.
b. It's agreed blood money to keep him from doing time. (not sure prison time is up for grabs on this offence).

**vifferman** · 26th May 2009, 14:19

Originally Posted by James Deuce

He got hammered. That's deeply unfair.

It's OK, James.
He can simply do what many criminals ordered to pay reparation do: ignore it and default.
But yes, I agree with you - it does seem rather harsh. It's a not inappropriate amount for the victims to be awarded (in fact, probably insignificant in that it won't undo the damage to their bodies or lives), but $60k is an enormous burden for a retired person.

**RantyDave** · 26th May 2009, 14:24

Title sums it up. Tony "but you were speeding" Bridgman has been ordered to pay $30k each to the two bikers he nearly killed 18 months ago. No doubt this is nowhere near the real cost to the lads in question but $60k has got to be a pretty severe kick in the arse if you're a retired cop.

Appeal?

Dave

**Mully** · 26th May 2009, 14:25

100 hours community service and disqualified for 12 months.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crim...-victim-30-000

**The Baron** · 26th May 2009, 14:26

I for one am pleased with the judgement of the court.

**Winter** · 26th May 2009, 14:39

Makes me smile. I hope those riders are ok, and I hope they find a way to enjoy that money.

Also, I hope the cop can stand up now, and just say Sorry.. sometimes thats all the victims want.

**MSTRS:Me** · 26th May 2009, 14:41

Now that sounds like a proper, fair punishment.

**dogsnbikes** · 26th May 2009, 14:41

Ouch!!!! of course there will be appeal/s glad too see that its not been sterotype that bikers are always speeding and wrong bling for judge and jury....Just shows no matter what your status on the food chain is when your wrong your wrong!!!!!!