https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cri...g-on-watchlist
Excerpt :
‘The Crown previously tried to use anti-terror laws against the Isis sympathiser shot dead by police following a knife attack at a West Auckland supermarket – but it was turned down by the courts.
The man was facing charges of possessing a hunting knife and possessing objectionable publications that included Isis videos of extreme violence, and the Crown sought to also have him charged under the Terror Suppression Act, claiming he was planning a “knife attack”.
But in a judgment released in July 2020, Justice Mathew Downs declined the application after reviewing the legislation and what it allowed.
The man was later found guilty of possessing two objectionable publications and refusing to comply with a police search, but was acquitted of possessing a hunting knife and possessing an objectionable video.’
Interesting commentary about the judge :
https://www.kiwisfirst.com/judge-fil...matthew-downs/
Excerpt : ‘Whereas most judicial appointees try their best to be fair during their judicial honeymoon, Downs almost immediately became drunk on the immense power he determined fell to judges in New Zealand.’
Mathew Downs’ judicial appointment raised broad consternation and disbelief within the legal profession.
It was not lack of ability but, rather, the universal dislike for Downs within the profession, where likeability and respect is generally the foremost qualification for appointment consideration.
Downs J’s bench personality is standoffish, pompous, unhelpful and sometimes grim.
He seldom speaks. He is a prolific notetaker.
When he is nervous, he stutters.
One QC summarised Downs best: “What he lacks in goodness he makes up for in confidence.”