THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

CREAN, Christopher Michael

CITATION

The New Zealand Bravery Decoration

Special Honours List 23 October 1999

On 13 March 1996 Mr Crean witnessed a confrontation between two gangs in the New Plymouth suburb of Marfell where he lived. A young man was severely beaten in front of a number of people. Mr Crean was the only witness to this brutal assault who was prepared to testify against the assailants. Despite enormous intimidation, including verbal death threats made by gang members at the Court, Mr Crean did not waver and he insisted on giving evidence against the gang members involved. His performance of his civic duty encouraged other witnesses to come forward, as a result of which gang activity in the area was curtailed and successful prosecution of two of the three defendants ensued. However, on 6 October 1996, Mr Crean, then aged 27, answering a knock at the front door of his home, was gunned down in the presence of his wife and young children. Four members of a gang are now serving life sentences for his murder. Mr Crean’s performance of his civic duty undoubtedly placed his life in danger, with subsequent tragic consequences.

KNOWN AWARDS

New Zealand Bravery Decoration

NOTES

Born 1969

Died 6 October 1996 New Plymouth, New Zealand