R v M HC Hamilton CRI 2006-019-2189

[2008] NZHC 198

This case has been anonymized

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND HAMILTON REGISTRY

CRI 2006-019-2189

THE QUEEN

v

M

Hearing:         22 February 2008

Appearances: Ross Douch for Crown

Thomas Sutcliffe for Accused

Judgment:      22 February 2008

JUDGMENT OF HARRISON J

SOLICITORS

Almao Douch (Hamilton) for Crown
Till Henderson (Hamilton) for Accused

COUNSEL Thomas Sutcliffe

R V M HC HAM CRI 2006-019-2189  22 February 2008

[1]      Mr M   has been committed for trial in this Court on one count  of  offering to  supply methamphetamine  to  a  person  or  persons  unknown between 25 September 2004 and 18 October 2004.

[2]      The Crown’s case relies solely upon intercepted text messages between cellphones.  There is no doubt that the sale or distribution of drugs is the subject of the texts.   However, Mr Ross Douch very realistically for the Crown accepts the submission made by Mr Tom Sutcliffe for Mr M   that there is no reliable evidence  linking  Mr  M   to  possession,  control  or  use  of  either  of  the cellphones.

[3]      Accordingly, I discharge Mr M   on the count of offering to supply methamphetamine   to   a   person   or   persons   unknown   at   Hamilton   between

25 September 2004 and 18 October 2004.

[4]      Originally Mr M   was indicted on a number of other counts.  As a result of a decision by Venning J in this court on 14 May 2007 the Crown is unable to offer any evidence on those additional charges.  Mr M   is discharged on

those counts also.

Rhys Harrison J