Fairfax New Zealand Ltd pleads guilty

Fairfax New Zealand Ltd pleads guilty

The Wellington District Court heard today, 3 November 2009, a prosecution laid by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission against Fairfax New Zealand Ltd alleging an offence under sections 14L and 14B of the Transport Accident Investigation Act 1990. The offence related to the Dominion Post’s publication on 28 March 2009 of information taken from a confidential preliminary report into an incident under inquiry by the Commission. The offence attracts a maximum fine of $25,000.

Fairfax entered a guilty plea, and the judge received submissions on sentencing in writing and orally. The judge requested information relating to possible international precedents and reserved sentencing for written decision.

The summary of facts and TAIC’s sentencing submissions presented in court are attached for your information. Please note that the defendant company was amended by agreement to Fairfax New Zealand Ltd.

No comment will be made by TAIC until after sentencing.

TAIC Sentencing Submission (pdf)

TAIC Summary of Facts (pdf)

ENDS

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