Russel Norman and fellow activist Sarah Howell have escaped conviction and penalty on a charge relating to an oil exploration protest off the Wairarapa Coast 17 months ago.
The reprieve comes in a decision of Judge Arthur Tompkins delivered today, having been reserved at a sentencing hearing in Napier District Court on July 20.
At the time defence counsel Ron Mansfield said each was prepared to offer $3000 to the Coastguard, but in today's decision Judge Tompkins said there should not be a pre-condition to the discharge.
![The Greenpeace protest which led to charges. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/FT53RGBQDGGWWIMB7RWMCRPCKI.jpg?auth=8cfe481409a7fdca392b469f7387a7682b89ea427b6ea245b3a571401ebc9493&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
Norman, the 51-year-old Greenpeace executive director, and Howell, 26, from Ireland, admitted the charge laid under a 2013 amendment to the Crown Minerals Act.