'Powdergate' tactics cynical, says defence

Malcolm McCowan

The Serious Fraud Office was yesterday accused of using cynical tactics in its outline of the motives for the alleged "Powdergate" conspiracy.

The description of former Kiwi Dairy executive Malcolm McCowan as an "able lieutenant" and references to "personal vendettas" were inappropriate and not backed by any evidence, said John Haigh, QC, acting on behalf of McCowan.

Another former Kiwi executive, Paul Marra, was described as a "bully boy" by the SFO.

Haigh raised his concerns with the court yesterday morning.

He said the allegations had been made for the purposes of publicity.

"My client ferociously denies these statements as he denies and will deny all the allegations," he said.

Prosecution lawyer John Upton, QC, said the SFO stood by its statements.

"It is entirely proper to identify motives," he said.

The motives would ultimately be drawn out "as inference" from the SFO's evidence.