R v Middeldorp

[2015] NZHC 951

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND WELLINGTON REGISTRY

CRI 2013-085-10823

CRI 2013-085-10822 [2015] NZHC 951

THE QUEEN

v

JOHANNES HENDRIK MIDDELDORP NOELENE KAY BANTON

Hearing:	18 February 2015 - 1 April 2015
Appearances:	G J Burston, P W Gardyne and M J Ferrier for the Crown J Bioletti for Mr Middeldorp B Hunt and A M Courtney for Ms Banton
Judgment:	7 May 2015

JUDGMENT OF MALLON J (Reasons for Verdict)

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... [1] Background........................................................................................................................................ [5]

Evidence admissibility issues .......................................................................................................... [10] The 22 August 2012 search........................................................................................................... [10] Video interviews ........................................................................................................................... [11] Propensity..................................................................................................................................... [14] Co-conspirators ............................................................................................................................ [15]

Alleged modus operandi ................................................................................................................. [16]

The charges ...................................................................................................................................... [19] The particulars ............................................................................................................................. [25] The parties .................................................................................................................................... [27] Reproducing documents with intent to cause loss: the elements .................................................. [31] Making a “document” .................................................................................................................. [35]

Reproduction ................................................................................................................................ [40]

R v MIDDELDORP and BANTON [2015] NZHC 951 [7 May 2015]

Intention to cause loss to any other person .................................................................................. [68]

The alternative charge .................................................................................................................... [70]

Dishonestly using documents ....................................................................................................... [70]

Evidence of modus operandi .......................................................................................................... [74] The publications and the particulars ............................................................................................ [74] The steps involved ........................................................................................................................ [76] Leads ............................................................................................................................................ [85] Publication titles........................................................................................................................... [94] Contact details and aliases........................................................................................................... [97] Other sales techniques: prior contact/at the printers/free colour ................................................ [98] Representations as to distribution .............................................................................................. [106]

Evidence of printing and distribution ..........................................................................................[114] Evidence of printing ....................................................................................................................[114] Defendants not in a position to print more ................................................................................. [127] Conclusion on numbers printed.................................................................................................. [134] Intention to print more?.............................................................................................................. [135]

Are the charges proven? ............................................................................................................... [148] Roadcare NZ: charge 29A .......................................................................................................... [148] Roadcare NZ: alternative charge 29 .......................................................................................... [170] Handbrake: charge 28A ............................................................................................................. [171] Handbrake: alternative charge 28.............................................................................................. [182] The Local Wall Calendar: charge 32A ....................................................................................... [183] The Local Wall Calendar: alternative charge 32 ....................................................................... [190] Children in the Community: charge 25A .................................................................................... [191] Children in the Community: alternative charge 25 .................................................................... [214] The Local Business Guide: charge 31A..................................................................................... [215] The Local Business Guide: alternative charge 31 ...................................................................... [235] Your Local Business Book: charge 34A ...................................................................................... [236] Your Local Business Book: alternate charge 34 ......................................................................... [245] Community Guide: charge 26A ................................................................................................. [246] Community Guide: alternate charge 26 ..................................................................................... [268] Find a Business: charge 27A ...................................................................................................... [269] Find a Business: alternate charge 27 ........................................................................................ [295] The NZ Fire Fighter: charge 33A ............................................................................................... [296] The NZ Fire Fighter: alternate charge 33 .................................................................................. [303]

Verdicts........................................................................................................................................... [304]

Introduction

[1]      The defendants, Johannes Middeldorp and Noelene Banton, were tried in a Judge alone trial before me on nine charges of reproducing a document with intent to obtain a pecuniary advantage,1  and nine alternative charges of dishonestly using a document.2    At the conclusion of the trial I reserved my decision on the verdicts. Today I delivered my verdicts as set out at the end of these reasons and at the same

time have made available this judgment which sets out the reasons for the verdicts.

[2]      The charges arise out of advertising which the defendants endeavoured to sell, and in many cases did sell, to mainly small and medium-sized businesses across New Zealand.   Each charge relates…