Undie 500 arrest and charge details

Dunedin police have nearly completed reviewing charges against those arrested during the two nights of Undie 500 Disorder last weekend.

Charges against two people have been withdrawn through lack of sufficient evidence and now a total of 61 people have, or will appear in court.

Five officers, with the assistance of a police prosecutor, have spent the week reviewing charges Dunedin and Clutha Area Commander, Inspector Dave Campbell said. "It's important we get the charges right so there is no hold-up to a speedy resolution in Court", Inspector Campbell said.

Next week another team of officers will be assigned to review police video footage and still photographs as well as obtain other evidence that may assist in identifying further offenders from the weekend's disorder.

"The officers will be directed to concentrate on those throwing missiles and lighting fires", Inspector Campbell said. "Police gave clear warnings prior to the event that there will be consequences for law-breakers so the continued enquiries will come as no surprise", he said.

Of those charged 27 claimed to attend Otago University, eight Canterbury University, three Lincoln University and one from Victoria University. Three attend Otago Polytechnic and two come from Telford Rural Polytechnic.

There are 18 non tertiary students facing charges. Six are unemployed, two are builders as well as two high school students from Dunedin and one from Napier. In addition there was one each giving their occupation as trade assistant, shearer, mill hand, landscape gardener, forestry worker and retailer.

23 charges of disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence have been laid as well as 19 charges of breaching the liquor ban, 13 of obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty, three of offensive language, three of wilfully breaking glass and one of offensive behaviour.

Further amendments to charges are possible.