cannabisnews.com: Government Queries Court Sentence on Billionaire





Government Queries Court Sentence on Billionaire
Posted by FoM on January 11, 2000 at 07:53:09 PT
The Associated Press
Source: Akron Beacon Journal
The government on Tuesday ordered a review of courts' drug rulings after an American millionaire was released without conviction after being caught trying to enter New Zealand with more than 3 1/2 ounces of cannabis.The case has triggered a furor in New Zealand and claims of favoritism, after the judge allowed the businessman to walk free from charges which carry a maximum sentence of 14 years jail, then suppressed his name from publication in local news outlets.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer has identified the man as Peter B. Lewis, 66, chairman and chief executive of Progressive Corp., based in Mayfield Village, Ohio.He was arrested on Jan. 5 after New Zealand authorities found 2 ounces of hashish and 1 1/2 ounces of marijuana in his luggage at Auckland Airport and elsewhere.Judge David Harvey in the Otahuhu District Court released the suspect without conviction after argument from his lawyers, details of which have also been suppressed.Response to the ruling has been strong. New Zealand's biggest newspaper, The New Zealand Herald, has appealed the suppression order, and callers to talk radio across the country have accused the judge of favoritism.Justice Minister Phil Goff on Tuesday ordered a report into the consistency of court rulings in drug cases.``There is a public perception that there has been inconsistency and that inconsistency might be affected by the status of the individual facing the charge,'' Goff said.``In terms of maintaining public confidence in the New Zealand judicial system, I think it's important that the ministry examine that aspect,'' he said.The suspect, who came to New Zealand for the America's Cup yachting regatta, must leave the country as part of his release.Published: January 11, 2000The Beacon Journal Publishing Co.Related Articles:Second US Man Let Off Over Drugs - 1/09/2000http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4240.shtmlDrug Count Against CEO at Progressive Discharged-1/08/2000http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4223.shtmlAmerican Walks Free After Being Arrested - 1/08/2000http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4220.shtml 
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