Access brokerage court hearing delayed

A pre-trial hearing scheduled yesterday for Peter Marshall, the man in charge of Access Brokerage when it collapsed owing millions in 2004, was postponed due to his poor health.

Marshall reportedly had a stroke last month and was too ill to instruct his lawyers, The Dominion Post reported today. He has had heart problems in the past.

A three-week trial scheduled to proceed in October could be delayed if his condition deteriorates.

The discount brokerage collapsed with a $3.9 million shortfall in client accounts. Problems came to light when principal Bill Garlick took over as chief executive when Marshall went on sick leave.

Serious Fraud Office prosecutor Gus Andree Wiltons consented to an adjournment until September 4.

Marshall, 60, of Silverstream, has denied 14 charges of false accounting and making false statements to the New Zealand Exchange.

- NZPA