Ex-MP goes on trial for fraud

File photo / NZ Herald

Name suppression remained in place for a former MP when he went on trial in Auckland District Court today on fraud charges involving nearly $2 million.

The MP, with two other men and a woman, is accused 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.

Interim name suppression was continued for three of the accused but has been lifted for Robert Briggs.

Briggs pleaded guilty to six charges of corruptly accepting money from various organisations.

He and the other three accused pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to use documents with intent to defraud, and conspiracy to use documents dishonestly with intent to obtain a pecuniary advantage.

The former MP also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to use documents dishonestly with intent to obtain a pecuniary advantage and attempting to obstruct the course of justice.

The trial before Judge Roderick Joyce is expected to last three to four weeks.

- NZPA