Identity theft victim still receiving fines

Shane Pritchard

Identity-theft victim Shane Pritchard went on holiday to get away from his troubles.

But when he returned from Australia on Tuesday a notice demanding payment for a traffic infringement in the North Island was waiting for him - despite police assurances his problems were over.

The letter said the police had refused his application to have the details of the offence changed.

He had applied to the court in Dunedin on May 30 to have the fine revoked and was assured by court staff it would be acted on.

"The letter stated I didn't have sufficient proof of my whereabouts at the time of the offence."

The fine was for failing to produce a driver's licence at Waitakere on February 24.

"I've never been anywhere near there," he said. Mr Pritchard, 34, has been the victim of identity theft for 18 years, by a man who was born 23 days earlier than him and who carries the same name.

He has been accused of burglaries he knew nothing about, had his bank account cleaned out, and been fined in places he has never been.

After an approach through the media and National list MP Katherine Rich, Mr Pritchard thought his problems had been cleared up.

Mrs Rich said a letter sent to her by Minister of Police George Hawkins had assured her any fines incorrectly attributed to Mr Pritchard had been cancelled.

Dunedin area controller Inspector Dave Campbell declined to comment on the police handling of Mr Pritchard's troubles.

- NZPA