Former Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall has withdrawn his offer to meet with the families of the 29 men who died in explosions at the West Coast mine three years ago.
Peter Whittall. Photo: AFP
Health and safety charges against Mr Whittall were dropped on Thursday last week after the Crown decided that it was unlikely to get a successful prosecution, and he later offered to meet with the families.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Whittall said he offered the meeting in good faith in the hope of achieving some reconciliation by personally expressing his sympathy.
But he said the offer was met with attacks, some of them inappropriate and derogatory, and threats of private prosecution and further litigation.
Mr Whittall said his lawyers have now advised him not to hold such a meeting, and he has reluctantly accepted their advice. Despite this, he said, he may be prepared to consider a meeting at a later date.
