North Shore Police say although investigations into the serious road incident in Stredwick Drive Torbay have concluded, essential youth justice provisions remain in place.
The incident happened at 3.40pm on Thursday 15 February 2007. A group of young girls and an adult female were injured when they were hit by a vehicle that crossed onto the footpath where they were assembled. A three year old girl suffered serious head injuries. The male driver involved is 15 years of age.
North Shore Commander Inspector Les PATERSON says a Police Youth Aid supervisor will immediately initiate legal action under these youth justice provisions, but it's likely to be several weeks before this procedure is fully completed.
"Because of the driver's age there are a range of processes to go through under the Legislation, before a final determination can be made as to whether any actual charges will be laid in the Youth Court," he said.
"One critical factor which has been ignored by the media is that the driver involved in this incident CANNOT be identified. The teenager's name has already been published in many print and broadcast media. Technically this contravenes the Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989."
"I advise the media strongly, NOT TO IDENTIFY the driver of the vehicle that was involved in this incident," Inspector PATERSON said.
"Paediatric medical authorities continue to monitor the condition of the three year old female victim closely. She's now in the Wilson Home for Children in Devonport."
"This young girl is undergoing extensive therapy to assist her overcome some of the many problems associated with the loss of fine motor skills, due to the severe brain damage she has suffered," Inspector Paterson said.
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