Convicted solicitor fears for career

A Te Awamutu solicitor and former Waipa district councillor fears his legal career is in jeopardy after being found guilty of four charges against the Wildlife Act.

James Charles Morris Parlane was found guilty in the Te Awamutu District Court of two charges of hunting the protected spur-winged plover and one each of killing a white-faced heron and a little black shag at Lake Rotomanuka in March last year.

During closing addresses at the three-day trial, Parlane, who represented himself and denied the charges, said the prosecution was extremely unreliable.

Forensic tests on the birds should have been done at independent labs.

He produced a form from an optometrist showing his level of blindness.

Judge Russell Callander said it was reasonable to expect duck shooters to identify their target before pulling the trigger.

The protected species Parlane shot were very different from a duck, the judge said.

"It would take a certain degree of blindness to make that kind of error."

Judge Callander said he considered the witness accounts from a man and his son at a nearby maimai compelling.

He also accepted that Parlane had acknowledged he shot the heron and took steps to inform the appropriate authorities.

After the verdict, Parlane said the convictions could devastate his career and he told the judge he might seek a discharge.

Judge Callander told Parlane he should get a lawyer, citing the adage that those who represent themselves have fools for clients.

Parlane will be sentenced on November 28 in the Hamilton District Court.

- NZPA