Lawyer loses appeal against fraud conviction

A lawyer found guilty in February of defrauding an estate of $150,000 has lost an appeal against his conviction and sentence.

David James Watt, of Auckland, was jailed for 15 months and ordered to make reparations of $60,000. He was allowed to apply for home detention.

Auckland District Court was told he illegally paid himself legal fees of $150,000 for administering the late Leonard Hoare's estate.

Watt's lawyer Peter Gorringe told the Court of Appeal his client spent some of the money he took on seeking legal advice because he thought Mr Hoare's sons intended to sue him for badly drafting Mr Hoare's will and other matters.

The Crown argued there was "ample evidence" to show Watt knew no lawsuit was planned, but used it as an excuse to take money.

Mr Gorringe asked the court to overturn his client's conviction but in a reserved decision released today the appeal was dismissed.

- NZPA