Lawyer ruled out of court

Peter Neutze

An Auckland lawyer has been suspended indefinitely for incompetence after a number of complaints against him, including some from judges.

Peter Stephen Neutze was suspended after the Auckland District Law Society asked the High Court to intervene.

The society said yesterday that Mr Neutze could no longer practise as a barrister and the suspension would remain in force indefinitely.

It said an indefinite suspension had the same effect as a lawyer being struck off by the New Zealand Law Society for disciplinary matters. The suspension could be appealed against.

The society said it was more appropriate to take the matter to the High Court and seek a suspension rather than take its own "disciplinary process".

The suspension followed several complaints about Mr Neutze's competence in court.

One judge aborted a drugs trial where Mr Neutze appeared for the accused, saying it was "becoming an embarrassment to have 12 citizens viewing what was going on before them".

He said the lawyer's behaviour was "erratic and quite unacceptable".

Three High Court judges hearing the law society's submissions were told last month the number of complaints from the judiciary was unprecedented.

David Jones, QC, who appeared for the society, told the High Court the incompetence included Mr Neutze failing to put the defence when questioning witnesses, being disorganised and ineffective, giving evidence from the bar while asking questions, and being unable to ask questions in a logical and sensible manner.

He also appeared in court dishevelled and unkempt, often late, unprofessional in his demeanour, unprepared and advancing arguments that lacked relevance or structure.

One prosecutor told the court he spoke "gibberish".

Mr Neutze denied his performance fell below acceptable standards, and said it was "superior" to other counsel.

- NZPA