5 May 2017
Convictions and sentence were upheld because the trial evidence (complainant identification, contemporaneous texts and rejected alibi evidence) sufficiently established presence, identity and lack of any legitimate debt; absence of Mr Broughton did not make the convictions unsafe; the sentence fell within an appropriate range and discounts were properly applied.
4 Aug 2016
Extension of time to file the notice of appeal was granted; the prosecution after a civil settlement did not constitute an abuse of process because there was no binding assurance by a prosecutorial authority; the claim of right defence failed because the defendant could not have had an honest belief in a legal entitlement given his admissions and position as an accountant; complaints about counsel were unfounded; the confession was admissible and relevant; and the sentence was appropriate having regard to established starting points and allowable discounts — appeal dismissed.