Exclusive: Arrest warrant issued for lawyer who fled country

The lawyer says he left New Zealand after receiving death threats. Photo / File

An arrest warrant has been issued for a lawyer who fled the country claiming to be in fear for his life.

The lawyer, who has name and location suppression, is now overseas and has said he will never return to New Zealand given death threats against him.

He was set to stand trial this week after pleading not guilty to two charges of assault with a weapon, relating to an incident that took place in the reception area of his office on January 20 last year.

There were two alleged victims, and it is understood the weapon allegedly used was a chair.

The lawyer has told the court he fled the country after multiple threats were made against his life over a matter unrelated to the alleged assaults, and after the police refused to provide adequate protection.

At a pre-trial hearing this week, Auckland District Court Judge Allison Sinclair said she was advised the lawyer couldn't return to New Zealand because he is fearful a lack of police protection would see him assassinated.

Both the prosecution and the lawyer's defence team, led by Dr Tony Ellis, were agreeable to having the trial proceed in his absence.

However, the issue of whether the lawyer was fit to stand trial had recently been raised by Ellis. A forensic psychiatrist was available to make an assessment, but advised the court this could not be done over Skype.

Judge Sinclair ruled that the lawyer was required to attend court to answer the matter of fitness, which had been raised by Ellis. The only option available was to issue an arrest warrant, she said.