Order in Respect of John Harold Raymond La Roche
In a decision dated 24 February 2000, the Nursing Council of New Zealand ("the Council") ordered that the name of John Harold Raymond La Roche be removed from
the Register of Psychiatric Nurses following conviction in the Palmerston North High Court, under sections 167 and 172 of the Crimes Act 1961, for the murder of Margaret Elizabeth Bennellick in the Court House at Palmerston North.
Mr La Roche was sentenced to life imprisonment on
9 December 1998.
In determining to exercise its disciplinary powers, the council declined to fix a time after which Mr La Roche could apply to have his name restored to the Register.
The council also ordered that Mr La Roche pay $470.00 in costs, that a notice stating the effect of the orders be published in the New Zealand Gazette, Kai Tiaki : Nursing New Zealand and the council's newsletter and that he return to the Registrar all certificates and badges issued to him under the Nurses Act 1977.
MARION CLARK, Registrar.