Police left red-faced over Veitch phone gaffe

An embarrassing message was left by a detective on the answerphone of former sports broadcaster Tony Veitch.

Veitch, 34, is expected to front up to police for the first time today as they finalise their investigation into the alleged assault of his former partner.

It is understood Veitch will be accompanied by his lawyers for today's questioning.

At least three detectives have been working on the investigation, which began after Veitch said five weeks ago that he "lashed out" at Kristen Dunne-Powell after a row in 2006 at his St Heliers home.

While an arrest is considered likely, its timing is dependant on the meeting's outcome.

Today's questioning follows a police search of Veitch's Auckland home on Friday - soon after police requested he attend Auckland Central police station.

Yesterday, it was alleged that the female policewoman who phoned Veitch on Thursday evening requesting his attendance, accidently left a message on his answerphone afterward saying: "Bet he hasn't got a smile on his face like that any more".

Veitch's wife Zoe Halford spoke out yesterday, saying Friday's search, involving seven officers, made it the couple's worst day yet.

She criticised the police inquiry, saying the answerphone message had made her want to "vomit".

Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said yesterday that the detective's comments were "an unfortunate and regrettable slip-up" and the officer would no longer be dealing personally with Veitch, The New Zealand Herald reported today.

Ms Halford said the couple planned to "fight to the bitter end". She believed her husband's actions were the result of "sheer desperation".

Ms Dunne-Powell has remained silent since The Dominion Post revealed Veitch had broken her back and paid her more than $100,000 in a confidential agreement in December 2007.

Veitch resigned from both his TVNZ presenting job and his Radio Sport breakfast slot on the day police announced Ms Dunne-Powell had laid a formal complaint.

During the past month officers have approached Veitch's friends, former partners, colleagues and ex-flatmates. Statements have been taken from some, and others are believed to have refused to talk.

- with NZPA