Garrett applies for barrister's licence

Act Party MP David Garrett. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Former MP and lawyer David Garrett has applied to the Law Society for a barrister's practising certificate.

Mr Garrett resigned from the Act Party a couple of weeks ago after admitting he obtained a fake passport 26 years ago by using the identity of a dead toddler. He went to court over the case in 2005 and was discharged without conviction.

It was also revealed recently Mr Garrett was convicted of assault in Tonga while living there in 2002.

Mr Garrett resigned from Parliament soon after leaving the party and after ACT leader Rodney Hide said he couldn't offer his support.

Mr Hide said questions needed to be asked about whether Mr Garrett misled the court during the 2005 sentencing over his previous offending.

Law Society president Jonathan Temm confirmed to NZPA today that Mr Garrett, who worked as a lawyer before becoming an MP and also gave legal advice to the Sensible Sentencing Trust, had applied for a practising certificate and would now go through the required screening processes.

When people apply for practising certificates their applications are publicly notified and the Law Society waits to hear if there are any objections before reviewing the application.

If the application is considered appropriate a practicing certificate is issued, but if there are concerns or information has been disclosed which could reflect on someone's ability to hold a certificate, applications may be referred to the Law Society fitness for its practice committee for further consideration.

Applicants can appeal to the Disciplinary Tribunal if a practising certificate is refused.

- NZPA