A Moment In Crime

In this episode of A Moment In Crime - the last for 2023 - senior journalist Anna Leask looks back at some of the country’s most brazen prison escapes, and speaks to one of the most high-profile escapees in history.

Arthur Taylor spent almost a month on the run with two murderers and a robber after masterminding an escape from New Zealand’s toughest prison at Paremoremo near Auckland.

You’ll also hear from others who escaped multiple times including Dean Wickliffe, and, about why inmates go on the lam.

To date, no one has ever escaped prison in New Zealand and managed to stay away forever - they are all caught and hauled back eventually.

But over the years many a man - and a couple of women - have tried.

Leask has covered a number of these escapes for the Herald and canvassed many more in her book Behind Bars, published in 2017.

A full spread that further details the escapes is also available on nzherald.co.nz.

This episode contains strong language and is suited to a mature audience. 

For more on Leask's book Behind Bars click here.

Read more:

Exclusive: Dean Wickliffe, the life and times of New Zealand's most 'notorious' crim

Exclusive: Notorious criminal Dean Wickliffe pens book about 41 years behind bars

Rimutaka Prison escapee guilty of rape, assault with a weapon and abduction, name suppression lapses for Damon John Exley

Phillip Smith's long history of terrifying and abusive behaviour

Whereabouts up in air

Greed the downfall of New Zealand's 'Godfather'

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2000 Ronald Van Der Plaat became one of the country’s most infamous sex offenders when he was jailed for a litany of horrific abuse against his daughter spanning 23 years.

He started raping, sexually violating and indecently assaulting his daughter Tanjas when she was just 9 when the family were living in Vanuatu.

For the next 23 years, he would keep her as a sex slave, subjecting her to “bizarre and depraved” abuse which only ended when she became pregnant to him - not for the first time - and suffered a miscarriage.

Van Der Plaat would use handcuffs, chains and clamps on Tanjas during sadistic sex sessions.

He would ply her with alcohol and sedatives before sex - once resulting in an overdose that left her with a permanent heart problem.

In the latest episode of Herald podcast A Moment In Crime journalist Anna Leask looks back at the ghastly offending.

The episode also features first-hand accounts of the abuse from Tanjas, from her book Flight of the Dancing Bird which she released after her father was imprisoned. 

This episode contains references to physical and sexual abuse - and child abuse. It is suitable for a mature audience and may be upsetting. 

The episode also contains brief extracts from the book Flight Of The Dancing Bird, published by Tanjas Darke published in 2001 by HarperCollins. The book is available at local libraries and can be purchased online. 

READ MORE:

'Cruel, degrading' sex offender back in court: But released from charge due to dementia

Sadistic, depraved, cruel: Ronald Van Der Plaat's litany of 'bizarre' sexual abuse

Ronald Van Der Plaat, the man who raped and enslaved his daughter, to be released from prison

SEXUAL HARM - WHERE TO GET HELPIf it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email [email protected]
• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz

Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of A Moment In Crime is a follow-up from the very first episode I produced about the Christchurch terror attack. 

As the Coronial inquest into the mass murder begins, it's important to remember what happened and who was responsible. It's important to remember who was killed, wounded and impacted. And it's important to understand the inquest. 

In this episode of A Moment In Crime you will hear from the judge who sentenced the terrorist in 2020 and from those closest to the attack - survivors, witnesses and those who lost loved ones that day.

Brenton Tarrant was the first person in New Zealand history to be jailed for life without parole and will spend the rest of his days in a prison cell - unable to hurt another person. 

The episode refers to an act of terrorism, mass murder and the wounding of many people. It is graphic in parts and is intended for a mature audience. 

Many people are against the name of the terrorist being published, but in this podcast episode he is named at times. His case was heard in an open court and is well known and I do not want to create any sense of drama around his abhorrent actions by painting him as a nameless villain. 

At the outset of this episode of A Moment In Crime I would like to acknowledge the 51 people who died in the Christchruch terror attack and their families - and those injured on that terrible day.

For more on the attack, the prosecution, sentencing and investigations visit nzherald.co.nz 

I also recommend reading these articles for a deeper understanding of the attack on March 15 and the aftermath. 

• The Ripple Effect
• Christchurch mosque attack : terrorist sentenced
• Christchurch mosque shooter sentencing: Tales of heartache, grief, terror fill courtroom
• Christchurch mosque shooter sentencing: Gunshot wounds and grief only the start of pain, suffering for terror attack families
• Christchurch mosque attack sentencing: Victim's father tells Brenton Tarrant he will never forgive him
• Christchurch mosque shootings: Royal Commission report revealed
• Christchurch mosque terror attack: Coronial scope hearing to examine Muslim community's unanswered questions

If you need support or help please reach out to one of the following services for advice: 

Lifeline 

Depression helpline

Youthline 

What's Up

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Moment In Crime - The Patron - looks back at the life and crimes of disgraced knight and serial sex attacker James Hay Wallace.

Behind his money, philanthropy and resplendence, Wallace was a serial sex offender who lured men to his mansion on the premise of discussing funding proposals or helping with projects or careers and abused them when they least expected it. 

Wallace’s case took years to resolve with multiple trial dates - one delayed, one aborted and the case then moved to the High Court at Auckland.

After he was sentenced he continued to fight to clear his name, mounting various appeals to keep his identity suppressed and himself out of prison.

A Moment In Crime - The Patron tells the story of Wallace’s life, crimes, court case and the impact it had on the victims and wider community across three episodes.

This episode looks at the victims experiences of the abuse and court, and the aftermath for the arts community. 

Part One and Part Two are also live if you have yet to listen to those. 

Thanks to the NZ Herald senior journalist Sam Hurley for his contributions to this episode. 

For more on the case visit nzherald.co.nz or click:

• Sir James Wallace named as former rich-lister convicted of indecently assaulting three men and attempting to pervert the course of justice
• 'I do not forgive you': Victims of prominent businessman speak out as influential figure jailed
• Sir James Wallace unmasked: The inside story of a rich-lister, arts philanthropist and criminal
• James Wallace: Disgraced arts patron continues to deny offending, refused parole

SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP?

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email [email protected]

Alternatively contact your local police station click here for a list.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Moment In Crime - The Patron - looks back at the life and crimes of disgraced knight and serial sex attacker James Hay Wallace.

Behind his money, philanthropy and resplendence, Wallace was a serial sex offender who lured men to his mansion on the premise of discussing funding proposals or helping with projects or careers and abused them when they least expected it. 

Wallace’s case took years to resolve with multiple trial dates - one delayed, one aborted and the case then moved to the High Court at Auckland.

After he was sentenced he continued to fight to clear his name, mounting various appeals to keep his identity suppressed and himself out of prison.

A Moment In Crime - The Patron tells the story of Wallace’s life, crimes, court case and the impact it had on the victims and wider community across three episodes.

This episode looks at how the chaotic court cases unfolded, and the lengthy battle between media and Wallace's legal team to get him named.

Part one is live and part three will be out next week.

Thanks to the NZ Herald senior journalist Sam Hurley for his contributions to this episode. 

For more on the case visit nzherald.co.nz or click:

• Sir James Wallace named as former rich-lister convicted of indecently assaulting three men and attempting to pervert the course of justice
• 'I do not forgive you': Victims of prominent businessman speak out as influential figure jailed
• Sir James Wallace unmasked: The inside story of a rich-lister, arts philanthropist and criminal
• James Wallace: Disgraced arts patron continues to deny offending, refused parole

SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP?

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email [email protected]

Alternatively contact your local police station click here for a list.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Moment In Crime is presenting a three part episode - The Patron - which looks back at the life and crimes of disgraced knight and serial sex attacker James Hay Wallace.

Until his spectacular fall from grace, the Auckland rich lister was considered one of the biggest supporters of New Zealand film and art.

Wallace was respected, revered and his help, guidance and money was sought after by many in the arts world.

But behind the money and resplendence, Wallace was a serial sex offender who lured men to his mansion on the premise of discussing funding proposals or helping with projects or careers and abused them when they least expected it. 

Wallace’s case took years to resolve with multiple trial dates - one delayed, one aborted and the case then moved to the High Court at Auckland.

A Moment In Crime - The Patron tells the story of Wallace’s life, crimes, court case and the impact it had on the victims and wider community across three episodes. 

Thanks to NZ Herald' senior journalist Sam Hurley for his contributions to this episode.

For more on the case visit nzherald.co.nz or click:

• Sir James Wallace named as former rich-lister convicted of indecently assaulting three men and attempting to pervert the course of justice
• 'I do not forgive you': Victims of prominent businessman speak out as influential figure jailed
• Sir James Wallace unmasked: The inside story of a rich-lister, arts philanthropist and criminal
• James Wallace: Disgraced arts patron continues to deny offending, refused parole

SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP?

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email [email protected]

Alternatively contact your local police station click here for a list.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In September 2021, Lauren Dickason killed her three daughters, six year old Liane, and two year old twins Maya and Karla, shortly after the family moved to Timaru from South Africa.

For the last five weeks, Anna has been covering the trial, which this week saw a guilty verdict delivered on all three charges. As the trial has taken up a lot of Anna's time, there's no new episode of A Moment in Crime this month, but listen as she talks to The Front Page's Damien Venuto about the case. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2011 an incomplete skeleton was found at a derelict property in Auckland by a demolition crew tasked with dismantling the buildings on site. 

It took police months to work out who the remains belonged to - and then they had to work out who had killed the young man, and why. 

In this episode of A Moment In Crime, journalist and host Anna Leask looks back at the grisly case and how the police finally got the man responsible. 

For more on this case click the links below.

Dead man's last months with 'goth' mates

Police say defendant posed as dead man

Javed Mills manslaughter - 'frustrated' killer denied parole

A Moment In Crime is an NZME podcast produced monthly by Leask, who has been a specialist crime and justice reporter for almost two decades. 

This episode was written and produced by Anna Leask and edited by NZME audio engineer James Irwin and NZME podcast production manager Ethan Sills. 

If there is a case you would like Leask to consider covering please email [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On May 5 2007 Lipine Sila murdered Hannah Rossiter and Jane Young and caused grievous bodily harm to eight other teens when he drove his car through a crowd outside a party in the Christchurch suburb of Edgeware. 

The collision took place after Sila and his brother had been involved in fights at the gathering.

Sila claimed he was scared for his life and was trying to get away from people attacking him - and that he never meant to harm any of the victims.

However a jury found him guilty of murder and in 2008 he was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. 

The murders were like nothing seen in New Zealand before. They impacted many in Christchurch - from the family and friends of the dead girls to their schoolmates and community, the wider city and the country. 

There was anger towards Sila, toward those who organised the party - which had been widely shared and discussed on social media in the week leading up to it - and police for their response when it was clear it was about to go haywire.

In this episode of A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask revisit the Edgeware Road murders - taking you inside the tragic party, the police handling of it and the trial and sentencing of one of the country's most notorious double murderers.

For more on the murders and aftermath visit nzherald.co.nz or click on the links below.

Brother admits 'I lost the plot' on night of deaths

Edgeware Road murder trial evidence ends

Murderer Sila convicted of prison assault

Review clears police over Edgeware Rd

A Moment In Crime is an NZME podcast produced monthly by Leask, who has been a specialist crime and justice reporter for almost two decades. 

This episode was written and produced by Anna Leask and edited by NZME audio engineer James Irwin.

If there is a case you would like Leask to consider covering please email [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January 2008 Scottish woman Karen Aim was beaten to death while she was visiting Taupō on a trip around New Zealand.

The 26-year-old was murdered in the street by a local teenager who had been vandalising a nearby school with a baseball bat.

He then used the weapon to murder the innocent woman.

Jahche Broughton was jailed for life and has been denied parole a number of times. 

In this episode of A Moment In Crime host and senior journalist Anna Leask goes back to the day Karen died, speaking to the person who found her and raising the alarm.

You'll also hear in-depth coverage of the court case and parole hearings of Karen's teen killer. 

A woman attacked by Broughton a week before the murder also spoke to Leask.

This episode outlines violent and sexual offending and is suitable for a mature audience. 

For more on Karen's case and the prosecution of Jahche Broughton - visit nzherald.co.nz or click the links below.

Teen killer Jahche Broughton gives new insight into brutal murder of Scottish tourist Karen Aim

Backpacker murder: Karen Aim's killer Jahche Broughton declined parole

Coroner's inquest into Karen Aim death

Out of the darkness

The podcast is produced by Leask iHeart radio podcast producer James Irwin and NZ Herald podcast production manager Ethan Sills.

Episodes of a Moment In Crime are released monthly on nzherald.co.nz, iheart radio and all your usual podcast apps.  

And if you love this podcast, you might enjoy another series Leask wrote and produced - Chasing Ghosts - which focuses on the disappearance of Southland toddler Amber-Lee Cruickshank.

If you have a crime or case you’d like us to consider covering, email [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.