Man's appeal over intimidation dismissed

File photo / NZ Herald

A Waikato man who helped rough up and intimidate another man into not giving evidence in a court case has lost an appeal to have his prison sentence reduced.

Jamie Baillie was last year sentenced to two years and three months' prison after he pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice and assault with intent to injure. He admitted the charges on the morning of his trial.

Baillie and an accomplice, referred to as "Mr Tong", went to a Te Aroha property to see a friend who was about to give evidence in court about a previous assault.

Baillie told his friend he had to drop the assault charges or Mr Tong, a "tough guy" would beat him up. Mr Tong took off his shirt and he and Baillie both repeatedly punched the victim in the head.

The victim was told his legs would be broken and he would be killed if he did not drop the charges. Mr Tong then waved a small silver knife at him before the victim managed to escape.

Baillie's lawyer argued to the Court of Appeal the sentencing judge erred by setting the starting sentence too high and had not considered enough the time he spent on electronic bail.

But the Court of Appeal, in its decision released today, upheld the original District Court sentence, saying it was not manifestly excessive and the judge gave him a generous discount.

- NZPA