The former Haast helicopter pilot convicted in 2008 of
stealing large quantities of pounamu has been given one last
chance to pay court-ordered reparation to Ngai Tahu or risk
losing his farm.
The Courts and Criminal Matters Act, which came into force
earlier this year, allows applications to the High Court to
force asset sales to recoup court imposed fines and
reparations.
David Saxton and his son Morgan, who later died in a
helicopter crash, were convicted of stealing the pounamu and
ordered to pay $300,000 in reparation.
Ministry of Justice general manager collections Bryre
Patchell said that David Saxton was liable for the full
amount of reparation. It had not been paid, and the court had
made a final request to pay, he said.
"If Mr Saxton does not respond to this request the court will
progress with an application to the High Court for the sale
of Mr Saxton's farm."
- By Laura Mills of the Greymouth Star
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