Fake police prosecution stops gang trial

It's thought the Nelson public will be the losers after charges were dropped against 21 gang members.

Justice Simon France decided to throw the case against The Red Devils Motorcycle Club members out of court after a police officer was falsely arrested to help him infiltrate the gang.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor says 21 gang members and others who are part of the Hell's Angels network will remain in Nelson.

"They will now strut around the town essentially saying 'we fought the law and the law lost' because essentially that's what's happened."

Mr O'Connor says the public of Nelson should be outraged.

Justice France ruled there's been a serious abuse of the court's process because of the orchestrated arrest.

The judges the undercover officer appeared before knew nothing of his disguise and believed they were dealing with a genuine case.

Police Minister Anne Tolley says she can't comment on the judgement but is disappointed the gang members haven't been brought to justice.

Anne Tolley says it needs to be put into perspective given the large amount of police action taken against gangs every year, and she's not blaming the undercover operation.

She's not saying whether procedures for undercover cops will be reviewed following the judgement.

Anne Tolley says it's an operational matter and she's not going to meddle in police business.

Photo:NZ Herald