Michael Swann.
Some legal aid has been granted to convicted fraud
Michael Swann to allow him to progress a Court of Appeal case
to have his sentence reduced.
In March, Swann was convicted of defrauding the Otago
District Health Board of almost $17 million.
He is serving a prison term of nine years and six months,
with a minimum non-parole of four years and six months.
In a brief statement to the Otago Daily Times, Legal
Services Agency manager Robyn Nicholas said "in line with
agency policy" on granting aid for criminal appeals, "Mr
Swann has been given a limited legal aid grant to enable his
lawyer to prepare a summary of issues detailing the proposed
grounds of appeal.
"This will enable the agency to decide whether he meets the
criteria for a full grant of aid."
She did not say how much money was being made available to
Swann, and his barrister, Hugo Young, of Invercargill would
not comment.
In April, Swann lodged an appeal against his minimum
non-parole period of four and a-half years and last month
indicated to the High Court he was considering an appeal
against his conviction.
His appeal was set down for October 6 but the ODT has been
told it has been adjourned to another date.
Swann is still involved in a Proceeds of Crime Act case in
which the Solicitor-general is attempting to recover Swann's
known assets, valued at about $7 million, and other assets as
yet undiscovered.
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