26 February 2015

Belgrave Finance Limited

FMA alleges former Belgrave directors Stephen Charles Smith and Shane Joseph Buckley, and associate Raymond Tasman Schofield, breached section 58 of the Securities Act by making untrue statements in documents offering securities to the public. FMA alleges that in substance Mr Schofield acted as a director of Belgrave. The defendants also breached section 377 of the Companies Act 1993 by making a false or misleading statement to the trustee appointed to safeguard the interests of investors in Belgrave secured debenture stock.

Hugh Edward Staples Hamilton, who was a legal advisor to Belgrave, is also alleged to be involved in the conduct of the Belgrave directors.

The SFO has also laid charges against the men under the Crimes Act 1961.

26 February 2015

Mr Hamilton's appeal of his sentence was dismissed which was heard on 10 February 2015.

4 July 2014

Mr Hamilton sentenced to four years’ and nine months’ imprisonment. Related media release: Joint finance company prosecutions promote renewed public confidence and ethical conduct in financial markets.

16 May 2014

Hugh Hamilton found guilty of 14 charges under s 220 of the Crimes Act 1961 relating to theft by a person in a special relationship. Related media release: Finance company legal adviser found guilty of fraud.

7 June 2013

Stephen Charles Smith (45) was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment. Related media release: Director sentenced to prison term for theft and false statements.

17 April 2013

Mr Stephen Smith pleaded guilty to 25 charges under the Crimes Act, Securities Act and Companies Act. Related media release: Director sentenced to prison term for theft and false statements.

17 December 2012

The High Court at Auckland granted Mr Schofield a conditional stay of the criminal proceeding on the grounds that he has a terminal illness.

30 November 2012

Hugh Edward Staples Hamilton (61) has appeared at the Auckland District Court charged with fraud. Related media release: Further charges laid in Belgrave Finance investigation.

30 August 2012

Shane Joseph Buckley was sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment and five-year management ban. Related media release: FMA welcomes Belgrave Finance sentencing.

25 May 2012

Mr Buckley pled guilty to 25 charges laid under the Securities Act, Crimes Act, and the Companies Act. Related media release: FMA welcomes Belgrave Finance guilty plea.

14 September 2011

Criminal charges filed against Belgrave directors - Mr Smith, Mr Buckley, and Mr Schofield in the District Court at Auckland. Related media release: FMA lays charges against Belgrave directors.

April 2010

The company was placed into liquidation owing approximately $22 million to around 1,000 investors.

Belgrave Finance Limited was incorporated in September 2000 and was purchased by Stephen Smith and Shane Buckley in June 2005. It provided loans for commercial and residential property development. Funds for lending were sourced primarily from the issue of securities to the public in the form of debenture stock and convertible capital notes.