Businessman guilty of kidnapping over dope feud

Max Beckham and co-accused will be sentenced in August. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

A prominent Northland businessman has been found guilty of kidnapping a man he claimed stole cannabis from him.

Max Beckham, former co-owner of the Mangonui ITM Building Centre and owner of other businesses in the Far North, was found guilty in Whangarei District Court of kidnapping Eugene Young, committing a crime with a firearm and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, the Northern Advocate reported today.

His co-accused, Mark Rogers, was found guilty of kidnapping and committing a crime with a firearm and another man, Matthew Woller, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

The Crown said that Beckham accused Mr Young of stealing cannabis from his home and demanded the return of the drugs or $25,000.

When he refused to comply, Beckham, Rogers and a third man Beckham refused to identify, went to Mr Young's home in August 2008.

Rogers hit Mr Young with a pistol, then Beckham shot him with Taser on the back of his neck and taped a pillow case over his head.

The trio was remanded in custody for sentencing in August.

- NZPA