Permanent suppression for Mount Maunganui man

The identity of a Mount Maunganui man charged with almost $800,000 of fraud offences will be kept secret permanently after charges against him were dismissed.

The man's attendance was excused when the matter was called in Tauranga District Court yesterday.

He had faced 23 counts of obtaining by deception following an allegation by a Tauranga man that he was swindled out of $794, 675.52 between 2005 and 2007 after investing in a business opportunity.

Defence lawyer Paul Mabey, QC, successfully sought dismissal of the charges after the Crown prosecutor confirmed to Judge Thomas Ingram, following discussions with police, that no evidence would be offered.

Mr Mabey said the man's reputation had already suffered as a result of publicity by another person, despite an interim suppression order being in place.

Under the grounds of extreme hardship he sought a final and permanent suppression.

Judge Ingram granted the request, saying he was satisfied such an order was appropriate.