31 May 2023
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES v McCONNELL [2023] NZHC 1342
- Citation
- [2023] NZHC 1342
- Court
- High Court
The District Court sentence was manifestly inadequate. Having regard to number of unregistered animals (117 + ~400), movements (eight one‑legged movements), prior notice/infringements and low but non-zero biosecurity risk, the appropriate global starting point for the two charges is $30,000. Applying a 25% guilty plea discount, a 5% discount for prompt appearance, and a 20% discount for significant personal circumstances (total 50% reduction), the proper sentence is a global fine of $15,000; the prior fine and discharge are set aside and replaced by this fine.