Swann appeal abandoned

Michael Swann has abandoned his appeal against the length of the non-parole term set for his $16.9 million fraud against the Otago District Health Board.

Swann (47) was sentenced in March to nine and a-half years' jail, Justice Lyn Stevens directing four and a-half years of that sentence be served before parole was an option.

A month later, Swann lodged a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal, challenging the length of the non-parole term.

But yesterday, Dunedin Crown solicitor Robin Bates said he had just received notice from the Court of Appeal of that the appeal had been officially abandoned.

Swann had also indicated he was considering appealing his conviction, but Mr Bates said no such appeal had been filed.