She earlier pleaded guilty to two
charges of common assault under the Summary Offences Act, for which maximum
penalties are six months imprisonment and/or a $4,000 fine.
Paniora argued a conviction would
have disproportionate consequences, including damage to her career and
political prospects.
When discharging Paniora, Judge Greg Davis is reported to have said she “had effectively been judged both in court and the court of public opinion, and there was no purpose to be served by entering convictions…Is the world a better place by convicting her?”
Judge Davis is the brother of
Kelvin Davis, the former Labour Party MP for Te Tai Tokerau. The swearing in of
Judge Greg Davis was held on Ngati Manu marae in Karetu.
Further information
Northern Advocate HERE >>>