Viaduct Capital & Mutual Finance

COA judgment delivered. Seven of the convictions were upheld, while six were overturned. 

• Related media release: FMA Statement on Court of Appeal judgment in Viaduct Capital and Mutual Finance

Mr Bublitz was sentenced to 3 years two months imprisonment for each of the charges, to be served concurrently.

• Related media release.

The verdicts and reasons were delivered. Mr Bublitz convicted on four charges of theft by a person in a special relationship and two charges of making a false statement by a promoter. Mr McKay was convicted of three charges of theft by a person in a special relationship, and Mr Blackwood was convicted on four charges of theft by a person in a special relationship.

Woolford J declared a mistrial. The next Court date is a callover on 5 July 2017.

The trial against Mr Bublitz, Mr McKay, Mr Blackwood and Mr Morrison commenced. Mr Chevin pleaded guilty on the morning of trial to charges under s 220 of the Crimes Act. He has since been sentenced to nine months’ home detention.

High Court granted an application by Mr Bublitz to adjourn the trial to 8 August 2016.

Not guilty pleas were entered by each of the defendants.

The matter was transferred to the High Court and a 12 week trial was scheduled to commence on 9 February 2016.

The defendants made their first appearance in court.

FMA has filed charges under the Crimes Act and under the Companies Act against directors and another of Viaduct Capital Limited (in receivership) and Ex-MFL Limited (in Receivership) (formerly Mutual Finance Limited) in the District court of Auckland. See media release.