Architect of his own misfortune

BY KIM RUSCOE AND TOM FITZSIMONS

Shamed broadcaster Tony Veitch was the "architect of his own misfortune" and nothing justified his attack on his girlfriend.

A packed Auckland District courtroom listened as Judge Jan Doogue told Veitch his celebrity status had guaranteed his public fall from grace.

However, the judge said jail time was not necessary and Veitch was not a risk to the community.

The former television presenter was forced to listen as Kristin Dunne-Powell read her victim impact statement to the court.

Other written information provided to the court, but not in public, outlined a celebrity's descent into a dark place after the domestic violence became public.

The written statements included one by his wife, Zoe Halford, who told of "at least seven times when Tony had lost all hope to live".

Clinical psychiatrist Traude Leibbrand wrote that Veitch had been referred to her by a mental health crisis team. He had 17 one-hour counselling sessions and "continues to struggle with feelings of shame, guilt and grief" relating to the attack.

Veitch, 35, and Ms Halford sat across the aisle from Ms Dunne-Powell and her husband in court throughout the hour-long hearing.

When Veitch's lawyer, Stuart Grieve, QC, told the court that it was doubtful that Ms Dunne-Powell was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, her husband put his hand on her shoulder. She looked at the ceiling and bit her lip.

Veitch closed his eyes as Crown prosecutor John Dixon read out details of the attack. The next time he closed his eyes was in relief when told he would not be sent to prison.

Judge Doogue told Veitch he had skills that could be harnessed for the community, and a jail term could harm him: "I don't believe you pose a threat of reoffending and the community is not at risk."

She acknowledged submissions that pointed out his loss of employment, financial crisis and distress but disregarded them. "While I accept all of that, you are the architect of your own misfortune and I do not take those into account."

Public interest in the case had caused Veitch distress but "those who live in the public eye suffer inevitable additional exposure when they fall from grace".

The attack was "a single act" that had caused Ms Dunne-Powell trauma and nerve problems.

Mr Grieve said Veitch tried to leave his bedroom on the night of the attack at his St Heliers house. Ms Dunne-Powell was lying in the way and he cracked, kicking her in the back.

HOW IT UNFOLDED

July 7, 2008: The Dominion Post reveals that Tony Veitch assaulted former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell and paid her more than $100,000.

July 8, 2008: Veitch takes leave from his Radio Sport morning show and his One News sports presenting position.

July 9, 2008: In a press conference, Veitch admits he "lashed out in anger" at Ms Dunne-Powell at his Auckland home in early 2006 and paid her money for loss of income and distress.

July 10, 2008: Police announce investigation into allegations; Veitch suspended from Radio Sport.

July 11, 2008: Veitch dumped from TVNZ Beijing Olympics reporting team.

July 12, 2008: Executives from TVNZ and The Radio Network admit they knew of problems between Veitch and Ms Dunne-Powell.

July 17, 2008: Veitch resigns from TVNZ and TRN jobs; Ms Dunne-Powell lodges formal complaint with police against him.

August 18, 2008: Police charge Veitch with six counts of assault and one count of injuring with reckless disregard; he appears in Auckland District Court and is remanded on bail.

September 5, 2008: Veitch reportedly taken to Auckland Hospital for the night after disappearing from his home and being found in a remote Northland area.

January 2, 2009: Veitch taken to Thames Hospital overnight after reportedly being found by police and ambulance staff in a distressed state on a Coromandel beach.

April 16, 2009: Veitch pleads guilty to the charge of injuring his former girlfriend with reckless disregard. The six assault charges were dropped.

 

- © Fairfax NZ News