Suicide Attempt From Blackmail (Press, 17 February 1982)

On 17 February 1982, a troubling case unfolded in the Wellington District Court involving a Christchurch man, Peter John Regan, who attempted suicide after allegedly blackmailing a victim out of $3,000. Regan, aged 20 and unemployed, faced multiple charges including demanding money with menaces, false pretences, using documents for pecuniary advantage, and burglary. He pleaded guilty before Judge P. J. Bate, and was remanded in custody for a presentence report, with sentencing set for 2 March. The prosecution, led by Sergeant M. Grey, revealed the harrowing circumstances faced by the complainant, who had engaged the services of a massage parlour on three or four occasions, during which he was massaged by two men. He became acquainted with a friend of Regan's, who often borrowed small sums from him. Regan was introduced to the complainant and soon began making intimidation-based demands for money. Initially, Regan threatened to break the complainant's legs and disclose his sexual activities if he did not pay him $500. Fearing for his personal safety and the exposure of his homosexual tendencies, the complainant borrowed money from a friend to comply with the demand. Regan later escalated his threats, demanding an additional $1,000, which compelled the complainant to take out a loan of $2,000 from a finance company, subsequently handing over $1,000 to Regan. As the situation deteriorated, Regan continued to exert control over the complainant, demanding further sums and visiting him frequently. On one occasion, he threatened to smash the complainant's kneecaps and demanded $1,200. In a desperate move to fulfil Regan's coercive demands, the complainant began selling personal items, including a television and furniture. On 26 January, Regan visited the complainant's home, again threatening physical harm; he struck the complainant with a steel poker during this encounter, deepening the victim's fears for his life. The sequence of events highlighted the severe emotional and psychological distress experienced by the complainant, which culminated in his suicide attempt. Overall, the case pointed to the grave implications of blackmail and violence, as well as the profound impact such victimisation can have on individuals. Regan's conviction and sentencing were pending, with the court expected to consider the severity of the crimes and the trauma inflicted on the complainant in the upcoming hearing.

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