Ex-MP facing fraud charges keeps name suppression

Name suppression remains in place for a former MP who faces fraud charges involving nearly $2 million.

He is accused with two other men and a woman of being involved in a $1.8 million swindle of Auckland sports clubs, a children's charity and various companies set up around gaming machines between 2003 and 2005.

All four sought continuation of name suppression but in Auckland District Court today Judge Roderick Joyce lifted name suppression on one of the accused, Robert Briggs.

Judge Joyce said name suppression would remain on the former MP for family reasons until the issue was revisited next month.

He said name suppression would also continue until next month for the woman so further evidence could be heard.

The third man was allowed to keep his name secret for health reasons until verdicts were reached on the charges.

All four face 17 charges and are due to stand trial in May next year.

- NZPA