"I didn't know it was stolen"

IMPACT: Raj Patel said he thought the transaction was legitimate and that the charge had negatively impacted his business. PHOTO/FILE.

A Masterton dairy and bottle store owner charged with receiving 358 bottles of stolen wine, says he thought he was buying it from a legitimate wine rep.

Rajeshkumar (Raj) Patel, 34, owner of the Hospital Foodmarket and Dairy on Te Ore Ore Rd, denies receiving the bottles of wine worth more than $4000.

He entered a not-guilty plea to the charge when he was called before the registrar in the Masterton District Court in October, and yesterday, at a case review hearing before Judge Barbara Morris, again strongly denied the charge.

Police allege that between March 25 and September 25 this year, Patel received 301 bottles of 12,000 Miles Pinot Gris 2013 wine, 33 bottles of Gladstone Vineyard Rose 2013 wine and 24 bottles of Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Gris 2013, valued at $4544.78, reckless as to whether it had beenstolen or not.

Through his defence lawyer Jock Blathwayt, Patel said yesterday he purchased the wine in a way that was consistent with his usual process.

"He bought the wine very cheaply from a person who represented himself as from the winemaker. The pricing was consistent with the discount he normally gets."

Mr Blathwayt said Patel prided himself on being law-abiding, and publication of the case had affected his business negatively: "The matter is a real worry to Mr Patel."

Under the Crimes Act, a person can be charged with receiving stolen property, whether or not they knew it was gained illegally.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years' jail.

If convicted, Patel's ability to sell alcohol could be threatened.

Judge Morris remanded Patel until February 18 for a judge-alone trial. Police have indicated they will call witnesses.