More on wanted list face court

Hamilton police's decision to publish a list of 11 of their most wanted criminals is paying off as two more appeared in court yesterday.

As police close in on the remaining eight fugitives, Hamilton's Danny Mooney has twice rung police claiming he would turn himself in while three others have been spotted around the North Island.

Prolific burglar Dion Noda, 22, was yesterday bailed by Community Magistrate Ngaire Mascelle after appearing in the Hamilton District Court on a charge of breaching community work.

Noda's appearance was followed by Nicholas William Roberts, 34, who was remanded in custody after admitting a charge of breaching parole conditions.

The pair were the latest to front in court after appearing in Saturday's Waikato Times for being wanted as part of police's Operation Persil targeting burglary, dishonesty and violence offences.

On Monday, Blue Hayward, 21, was granted bail after being arrested and appearing in court on a charge of failing to answer court bail.

Officer in charge of Operation Persil, Senior Sergeant Greg Dunn, said police had so far visited 52 Hamilton properties, with 25 arrests made in relation to the operation. Police had received information from the public that Michael Pene was believed to be living in the Far North, Johnny Cook had been "active" in Melville, and Jamie Maxwell had moved from his Pirongia address a day before the media coverage.

Mr Dunn said Mooney had twice rung police concerned at being "outed" in the media.

"He claimed he will turn himself in to either Christchurch or Wellington police. So far he has failed to keep to his word."

Police had no reports on the whereabouts of Michael Murray Stevens, 35, Ross Williams, 23, or Paul Callagher, 38.

Anyone with information on the three men is asked to contact the Operation Persil inquiry team on 0274 075737.

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