One of the three Waihopai spy base attackers has welcomed the prospect of a $1.1 million Crown damages claim, saying the trio have less than $1000 between them.

The taxpayer has so far unwittingly chipped in at least $320,000 for MPs embroiled in lawsuits.

Three activists are welcoming news the Crown may try to sue them for $1.1 million, despite the saboteurs having around $1000 between them.

Taxpayers are increasingly covering the legal costs when MPs are sued - but MPs can keep the use of public money for their defence secret.

RSA victim Susan Couch's ongoing battle with successive governments for compensation is not one she should have to be fighting.

The convicted violent criminal who lived in Government minister Paula Bennett's home is out of prison - and has been kicked out of the country.

The prostitute given $2.4 million by fraudulent banker Stephen Versalko is far from the high end of the escort business.

A man whose car was vandalised with a key says he's not surprised a former district court judge walked free of the charge yesterday.

Ex-judge Michael Lance spoke of his relief after an intentional damage charge against him was dismissed in court today.

Bailey Junior Kurariki had been given until 4pm today to front up at Manukau District Court on sex charges or face a warrant for his arrest.

Two Supreme Court judges yesterday helped to overrule a Privy Council decision which had earlier trumped their ruling when they were judges on the Court of Appeal.

Susan Couch's Supreme Court victory came with a sting in the tail - the Court has set the bar far higher for her and others to win "exemplary damages".

A costume-hire service is at a loss to know what to do with eight 2.5m-tall Oscar statues after legal threats from the US.

A former judge accused of gouging a car 20 times with a key challenged the integrity of the man who claimed he witnessed it, a court has heard.

The decision to acquit the Waihopai saboteurs surprised Prime Minister John Key who is not ruling out a law change.

Chris Cairns says he is locked out of cricket and struggling to clear his name, over two months after allegations of match fixing in the IPL.