Canterbury Police have received confirmation from the Coroner that the name of the three year old girl involved in an incident on 22 November 2015 will not be released.
Superintendent Todd says Coroner Matenga has provided Police with a Minute in relation to this incident. “One of the directions in the Minute is that pursuant to section 74 of the Coroners Act 2006, and until further order of the court, he prohibits from publication the name and identifying details of the deceased. He also noted that the cause or circumstances of death should not be published.”
Police will not be publishing the girl’s name or any further details in relation to this incident.
“We would like to reiterate that the girl’s death is not being treated as suspicious and was a tragic accident. The speculation, gossip and conjecture on social media is causing considerable, unnecessary distress to her family and friends” explained Superintendent Todd. “This is already an extremely traumatic time for her family and friends and we urge the community to rally together to support them by respecting their need for privacy at this time.”
A spokesperson on behalf of the family says “We would like to repeat our request for privacy. We will not be making any comment to media at this time and ask that reporters do not visit our home or approach us, or any other members of our extended family for comment.”
Superintendent Todd says this is also a timely reminder for social media and internet users to think twice before posting information that may cause harm.
The purpose of The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 is to deter, prevent and mitigate harm caused to individuals by digital communications and provide a quick and efficient means of redress.
More information about The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 and online safety can be found at the following websites:
Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2015/0063/latest/whole.html
NetSafe https://www.netsafe.org.nz/
ENDS
Issued by: Canterbury Police District Communications Manager, Lisa-Marie Brooks