Sentencing of doctor delayed

WELLINGTON: The case of a former Whanganui doctor arrested at Wellington Airport in 2015 has been dragged out yet again, with the man’s sentencing postponed until February 14 next year.

The man, who has interim name suppression, was supposed to be sentenced in the Wellington District Court yesterday on charges of using a forged document as if it were genuine, using a document for monetary advantage and making a false statement or declaration.

According to the Medical Council of New Zealand, a certificate of good standing confirms a doctor’s registration and notes whether or not there have been any complaints, investigations, or disciplinary action in the time of the doctor’s registration.

The man pleaded guilty to the charges in September this year, after a drawnout court process.

Despite the sentencing being set for yesterday and his defence lawyer John Dean being told to file submissions seven days in advance, he only filed them yesterday morning.

Judge Peter Hobbs said it would be ‘‘unfair to insist police continue under these circumstances’’.

Dean filed an application for a discharge without conviction, as well as an application for permanent name suppression, which Judge Hobbs said police should be given time to consider. — NZME