Banknote forgery charges

A Lower Hutt man has denied possessing $1400 in counterfeit banknotes, and other dishonesty charges. Brandon Smith, 25, who appeared at the Hutt Valley District Court before a registrar yesterday, is facing five charges relating to fraud allegations. He is accused of having 14 forged $100 banknotes in his possession, receiving stolen goods and a stolen driver’s licence. Through his lawyer, Smith pleaded not guilty to all the charges. He elected a jury trial for the charge relating to receiving stolen tools. He will appear in court again on June 17. He was remanded on bail at his Wainuiomata home.