KEY POINTS:
A High Court Judge has granted an interim stay of proceedings against Taito Phillip Field while an appeal is heard against the decision that allows the police to lay bribery and corruption charges, the MP's lawyer said tonight.
Satiu Simativa Perese told NZPA he would proceed with the appeal as quickly as possible.
The stay of proceedings effectively prevents police laying charges before the appeal is heard.
Mr Perese presented his argument to Chief High Court Judge Tony Randerson in chambers at Auckland today.
Justice Randerson released his decision early this month on a Crown application to lay 15 charges relating to work done on seven houses Mr field owns in Auckland, Wellington and Samoa.
Crown prosecutors said Mr Field knowingly acted improperly to have the work, worth tens of thousands of dollars, done on his properties.
Justice Randerson said in his decision there was a strong public interest in allowing the allegations to be thoroughly tested in a court of law.
Police said when the decision was released that they intended to lay charges within a fortnight and would also look to lay additional charges relating to obstruction of justice.
- NZPA
