News | Lower South Island
16 Dec 2025 5:19
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  •   Home > News > National > Lower South Island

    A man has U-turned on an allegation his cousin helped a father and step-son escape Southland in 2015

    A man has U-turned on an allegation his cousin helped a father and step-son escape Southland in 2015


    John and Mike Beckenridge were last seen near the Catlins, their car found in the sea below an 88-metre cliff, with no bodies.

    Coroner Marcus Elliot called for a second hearing - after evidence from Oliver Watson came to light last year.

    Watson alleged his cousin, Paul Watson, told him he helped the pair out and they're alive - during a phone call soon after the disappearance - which Paul Watson denies.

    Oliver has retracted the allegation in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

    He says Paul never said those things, but instead stated don't worry, they're alright.

    © 2025 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

     Other Lower South Island News
     15 Dec: A person has died after a crash in the Waikato's Waipa - and three others were seriously injured
     14 Dec: A couple of big names have navigated their way into the second round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace
     11 Dec: An Alexandra man's been sentenced to 12 months' home detention, after Customs found child pornography on his phone at Queenstown Airport
     08 Dec: Otago Police say a man accused of lighting a Mosgiel shed fire was found with multiple unlicensed firearms and 150 rounds of ammunition
     08 Dec: A Southland gang pad which was the scene of a number of prolonged and tortuous beatings could now be confiscated
     07 Dec: ???1;A mix of strong gales and wet weather is punching through the South Island
     04 Dec: Invercargill Police are probing a suspected arson that's destroyed four Treetech vehicles
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