Man jailed for bribery

A former Tokoroa Corrections Department official, Chanel Vern Scanlan, who pleaded guilty to 35 charges relating to accepting bribes in exchange for wiping out community work hours has been found guilty in the Rotorua High Court.

Judge Cooper yesterday imposed a sentence of two years and nine months. Judge Cooper said Scanlan’s actions struck at the very heart of administrative justice.

‘‘Your actions seriously undermined the integrity of the sentences and seriously undermined the trust of the public,’’ he said.

The court heard that serious drug and alcohol issues led Scanlan to accept the bribes.

The former Tokoroa community work supervisor, 38, falsely recorded the community service hours of 30 offenders.

The court heard Scanlan accepted money for falsifying hours worked.

He later admitted to also accepting drugs as payment. Scanlan has six children and his estranged wife is due to give birth to their seventh child in two months’ time.

Scanlan was given a reduced sentence for an early guilty plea and for showing remorse.

Outside of court Scanlan’s lawyer Arama Ngapo-lipscombe said her client accepted responsibility for his actions.

‘‘ The court accepted Mr Scanlan’s remorse was genuine and reflected this in his sentence, the court also accepted the impact that a prison sentence will have on Mr Scanlan’s family and his unborn child.

‘‘Mr Scanlan returned to New Zealand to take full responsibility once his offending came to light and will spend his time in prison rehabilitating himself and has returned to the church for guidance,’’ she said.

Former Tokoroa Corrections Department official Chanel Vern Scanlan was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for accepting bribes.