But Justice Downs noted that the district court judge had already allowed a 10% discount for Davies’ rehabilitation efforts and another 10% for his addiction to methamphetamine, before adding five months for his extensive criminal history. Those discounts were “careful and considered”, Justice Downs determined at the end of the short hearing, declining to declare the sentence manifestly excessive. Thomas Davies' appeal was heard in the High Court at Auckland. But Justice Downs was not persuaded he had the authority to address the issue. “I apprehend that none of this money is recoverable,” Justice Downs said.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 14, 2026 23:30 UTC