Alleged fraudster refuses to co-operate with court

A man facing charges relating to alleged fraudulent multi-million-dollar money-making schemes has refused to co-operate in Rotorua District Court.

Donald Rea said he didn't recognise New Zealand's legal system. But the 57-year-old Cambridge man's argument didn't wash with Judge Chris McGuire yesterday.

"You may not recognise the court but the court recognises you... the Earth does not revolve around you this morning Mr Rea," Judge McGuire said.

Rea was arrested on Tuesday following a fracas at the Rotorua Courthouse after allegedly refusing to leave the family courtroom when asked to by police.

When they tried to arrest him, members of a Rotorua family allegedly tried to intervene, resulting in five of them being arrested for assaulting and obstructing police.
In court yesterday, Rea refused to enter pleas to two charges including failing to appear in Tauranga District Court earlier this month in relation to allegedly fleecing more than $22 million from investors, and resisting police on Tuesday.

Judge McGuire entered not guilty pleas for Rea and remanded him on bail to appear in Tauranga District Court on July 25 on the fraud matter and for a status hearing in Rotorua District Court on August 2 to defend the resisting charge.

Rea was charged by the Serious Fraud Office over the alleged fraudulent high-yield money-making schemes.

About 20 investors, mainly from Tauranga, Rotorua and New Plymouth have allegedly lost money invested with Rea.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)