Garrett case remains open as police await ruling

David Garrett. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police have completed their investigations into disgraced former Act MP David Garrett but are yet to decide whether to charge him.

Mr Garrett was investigated over the affidavit he filed with the North Shore District Court in 2005 when he faced charges of obtaining a passport in the name of a dead baby.

Detective Inspector Bruce Scott said the investigation into Mr Garrett's affidavit had been completed and the files would be reviewed by the police legal section at national headquarters in Wellington.

"We're hoping to have the decision in a fortnight."

Mr Scott wouldn't comment on the content of the police investigation.

Last night, Mr Garrett told the Herald he had been re-interviewed by police but was not aware their investigation had been completed.

He declined to answer further questions.

The Herald has viewed the court file, which includes Mr Garrett's affidavit. The document made no mention of a 2002 assault conviction Mr Garrett had in Tonga.

It reads: "Since being admitted [to the bar] in 1992, I have committed no criminal offence, nor [had] any disciplinary proceedings brought against me either in New Zealand or Tonga. The worst I could be accused of is incurring some parking fines."

He was a practising barrister in Auckland at the time and an officer of the court.

He was discharged without conviction and given name suppression in 2005, which was revoked after media reports last year.

Mr Garrett said he still planned to practise law, and had applied to the Law Society for a certificate - his previous certificate had lapsed. Law Society spokesman Geoff Adlam said the society was still making inquiries.