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Revealed: Unruly travellers' anti-social antics in UK

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Thu, 17 Jan 2019, 11:27AM
Immigration NZ confirmed the group was issued a deportation notice.
Immigration NZ confirmed the group was issued a deportation notice.

Revealed: Unruly travellers' anti-social antics in UK

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Thu, 17 Jan 2019, 11:27AM

The family of British tourists under fire for their unruly behaviour in New Zealand had a quieter evening in Hamilton last night - opting to stay in and have a BBQ at a motel.

A motel staff member said she recognised the family as soon as they walked in yesterday asking to book three rooms - but they denied being the same group of travellers.

British media have reported that the travellers are well-known for their anti-social behaviour while living at a site near Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

One nearby resident said the family had caused trouble there for many years.

"They copulate, defecate and urinate. It is never-ending."

Yesterday, 26-year-old Tina Maria Cash pleaded guilty to stealing energy drinks, a rope and sunglasses from an Auckland service station on two separate occasions.

The family of British tourists who have been making headlines for their unruly behaviour in New Zealand appeared to have a quieter night in Hamilton last night. Photo / NZ Herald
The family of British tourists who have been making headlines for their unruly behaviour in New Zealand appeared to have a quieter night in Hamilton last night. Photo / NZ Herald

The court heard that Cash stole a can of Red Bull from a Caltex service station at Albany on December 31.

On January 3, Cash allegedly returned to the Caltex with her children and stole more Red Bull, rope and sunglasses valued at $50.

Her lawyer told the court she does not remember the incident, but accepts the theft was caught on CCTV video.

She has been convicted and ordered to pay $55 in reparation.

Two children among a clan of British travellers causing chaos in New Zealand have been caught on CCTV stealing a Christmas tree. Photo / Supplied
Two children among a clan of British travellers causing chaos in New Zealand have been caught on CCTV stealing a Christmas tree. Photo / Supplied
The woman in pink is seen walking out the store with an armful of groceries, making no attempt to pay. Photo / Supplied
The woman in pink is seen walking out the store with an armful of groceries, making no attempt to pay. Photo / Supplied

The motelier said the group of travellers also tried to stay there on Monday night but she refused their request because of their rude behaviour, so yesterday requested the family pay a $360 bond for the rooms to protect the business and they agreed.

She said she didn't have any complaints about their behaviour from any of the guests, some of whom also recognised them.

Each of the rooms were in a satisfactory condition when they checked out.

The man who named himself as John Johnson. Photo / NZ Herald
The man who named himself as John Johnson. Photo / NZ Herald

Asked for her opinion on their behaviour while in New Zealand, she said it was disgusting and not how people should act.

British High Commissioner to New Zealand, Laura Clarke, told Newstalk ZB's Tim Dower that she can't force the tourists to leave.

"I can't tell British visitors what to do. I think that would be overreaching my powers."

Clarke also urged Kiwis to remember that this family doesn't represent the majority of British tourists.

"New Zealand is the most beautiful country and so many British people want it come and visit here each year and they have an amazing time and this is a tiny, tiny minority."

"The vast majority of British tourists who come here have an extraordinary time and behave really well and this is the exception."

"It's unfortunate but I wouldn't want to draw any conclusions because as I say, hundreds and thousands of people come each year and behave really well and go home with wonderful memories of New Zealand, and the same is true in the other direction."

The tourists were caught dumping rubbish on Takapuna Beach before scamming local eateries into refunding them for meals. Photo / Supplied
The tourists were caught dumping rubbish on Takapuna Beach before scamming local eateries into refunding them for meals. Photo / Supplied

Meanwhile, Cash and her family have been identified by British newspaper The Sun as having a reputation for anti-social behaviour in their native Britain.

Cash had lived with her family on a traveller site near Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

One nearby resident said the family had caused trouble there for many years.

"We've had sheep chased and killed by their dogs, they've used our land to take drugs and farming equipment has been going missing.

"It's the younger ones. They just do whatever they want to do."

There had also been problems with thefts from local stores and anti-social behaviour near the local Catholic church: "They have no respect for the people who are trying to pray."

One resident believed that Cash had lived in the area until 18 months ago, while others had seen her there more recently.

Travellers have also been banned from a local pub after starting a fight on New Year's Eve.

Honorary Consul-General for Ireland in New Zealand Niamh McMahon has warned Kiwis not to label the group as Irish.

"It's a tarnishing of Irish People here who are by association labelled, that this is the behaviour of all Irish people," McMahon told Stuff.

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