Caught on film damaging headstone, but police say evidence not enough
A headstone at Rakaia Cemetery in New Zealand has been vandalised five times in recent months. The family of the deceased captured video evidence of one attack, showing a man deliberately damaging the memorial. Despite reporting the incidents, they remain frustrated by the lack of progress.
The repeated vandalism occurred between May and October 2024. On one occasion, footage clearly showed a man targeting the headstone. The family immediately notified the police.
Police reviewed the video but concluded there was not enough evidence to prosecute. They stated the recording did not meet the legal threshold for property damage under New Zealand law. The potential charge for such an offence would have been wilful damage.
The Rakaia Cemetery is overseen by the Ashburton District Council. However, the council has clarified it does not take responsibility for damage to private headstones. Since the family’s initial report, the memorial has been targeted twice more.
The suspect has been identified as Sean Paul Wall, a 37-year-old Christchurch resident. He is accused of repeatedly damaging gravestones linked to the same family.
The family continues to face ongoing distress as the headstone remains at risk. With no arrests made and the council declining liability, the case remains unresolved. Police have closed their investigation due to insufficient evidence.
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