The Crown has dropped its civil lawsuit against protesters who damaged the Government Communications Security Bureau listening station at Waihopai in Marlborough.
- In 2008 Adrian Leason, Father Peter Murnane and Sam Land were acquitted of causing intentional damage during a protest at the site
- In October 2010, the Attorney-General, Christopher Finlayson, lodged a civil claim, on behalf of the GCSB, for for $1,229,289, including the cost of beer, juice and savouries for staff who worked to repair the damage.
- In August 2011 the High Court ruled in favour of the Crown and a summary judgement in relation to the $1.2 million damages claim was awarded in the government’s favour, as well as court costs.
- In October 2013 the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Waihopai Ploughshares against the High Court decision.
- In November 2013, Waihopai Ploughshares appealed the judgment to the Supreme Court.
- On Wednesday 5 February 2014 Finlayson said there is no benefit in further pursuing the case as there was little chance the Crown would ever see money from that lawsuit.
Source