Crown Law won't inquire into altered Veitch papers

Tony Veitch

The Solicitor-General has ruled out his office inquiring into whether Tony Veitch's supporters broke the law by altering the testimonials of two high-profile New Zealanders.

The office of David Collins, QC, yesterday confirmed that no contempt of court complaint had been laid and the matter would not be investigated.

"Nothing has been referred to us. We won't be doing anything," the Crown Law spokeswoman said.

"If people are unhappy about their documents being changed, then they could follow it through with police."

Police have also ruled out an investigation - unless the documents' authors make a formal complaint.

Weekend Herald inquiries revealed that references from former world squash champion Dame Susan Devoy and Olympic chef de mission Dave Currie were changed before being submitted to the sentencing judge.

Both thought their words would be used to help Veitch get his passport returned, not in sentencing submissions.

His lawyer, Stuart Grieve, QC, submitted nearly 20 character references to Judge Jan Doogue and said he had never seen such a "glowing" collection in his career.

But a search of the court file revealed that paragraphs referring to the passport were removed from the references of Dame Susan and Mr Currie.

Police sought legal opinions from the Crown Law Office and internal lawyers.

Spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said police had considered the issue and would not be taking any action "at this point".

Both Dame Susan and Mr Currie have indicated that they will not lay a complaint with the police, as the matter is already in the public arena.

"I'd like to go out there guns blazing but what's that going to achieve in the end? Nothing," Dame Susan said.

Using an altered or reproduced document with intent to deceive carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.

Jonathan Krebs, of the New Zealand Law Society criminal subcommittee, said the society could act only if there was a complaint against a lawyer.