Trial in a year for alleged data base breaches

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Murmurs of dismay about the likely year-long delay until trial for a former Te Whatu Ora worker charged with illegally accessing databases, has prompted some advice from a Wellington judge.

“You’re joking,” and other comments came from the back of the court when the proposed trial date was given.

In the District Court on Tuesday Judge Peter Hobbs told supporters of Barry Young that he was being treated the same as anyone else.

If people in the back of the court were concerned about the time until trial they should take it up with politicians and others responsible for resourcing the criminal justice system, he said.

When given the trial date of April 2025 Young, 56, said, “That’s fine”.

Young has pleaded not guilty to one charge of accessing Te Whatu Ora databases and dishonestly obtaining personal information.