KEY POINTS:
Millionaire Sam Kelt is facing a charge of wilful trespass after police arrested him outside a bar on Thursday.
Earlier that day, the Hawkes Bay merchant banker went to Kelt Capital's Christmas function at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers before the company headed by bus to Diva bar in Havelock North.
About 9.30pm, an altercation and "trip and stumble" between two female members of his group - who were then asked to leave - resulted in Mr Kelt also being asked to leave the premises.
"For some strange reason, I was told to go as a result of an incident I had nothing to do with," said Mr Kelt, who added that he was standing quite some distance away from the altercation.
He and his wife, Bird, then walked outside to the footpath to catch a taxi home.
"Police turned up and arrested me for trespass. Apparently, where I was standing was still technically part of the bar.
"I couldn't believe it."
Asked if he was drunk, Mr Kelt said he would have been over the limit if he had driven - yet he hadn't had much to drink at all.
"I entered the bar with $150 on me and left with $150."
Mrs Kelt accompanied her husband to Hastings police station, where he spent the night in a police cell.
"I don't pretend to be God's gift to innocence - but this was blown way out of proportion.
"And no, it wasn't the best end to an otherwise great Christmas do."
Kelt said he had not decided whether to fight the charge of wilful trespass and would discuss it with his lawyer before his court appearance next month.
Diva owner Barbara Beach refused to comment.
Two years ago, Kelt was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after an altercation in Mt Maunganui.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
