Lombard directors guilty
Four charged over the collapse of Lombard Finance - including former justice ministers Sir Douglas Graham and Bill Jeffries - have been found guilty of Securities Act charges.
Four people facing trial over the collapse of Lombard Finance have been found guilty of Securities Act charges in the High Court in Wellington.
Those former Lombard directors charged included two former justice ministers Sir Douglas Graham and Bill Jeffries, along with former press officer to the Queen Lawrie Bryant. Former Lombard chief executive Michael Reeves was also charged.
All four had pleaded not guilty to five Securities Act charges.
Lombard collapsed in 2008 owing 4400 investors about $127 million, an average of about $28,000 each.
Justice Robert Dobson heard the case alone and presided over a trial that began in October and only wrapped up earlier this month.
Justice Dobson indicated that he will consider community-based sentences and financial penalties.
He said the charges proven were a material step away from the seriousness requires for a custodial sentence.
Sentencing has been set down for March 29.
Matt Nippert and Colin Williscroft
Fri, 24 Feb 2012
Fri, 24 Feb 2012
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Lombard directors guilty
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