(File photo)A Christchurch businessman who was convicted for methamphetamine offences has lost an appeal against his sentence. At the time, Judge Kevin Phillips said police found methamphetamine pipes at a warehouse where Vertue operated his business in July 2017. Vertue's lawyer, Andrew Riches, argued the sentence imposed by Judge Phillips was "manifestly excessive". Judge Phillips sentenced him to 180 hours' community work, which Vertue appealed to the High Court. "The 180 hours' community work imposed could be regarded as reasonably stern, but I am not convinced that it is manifestly excessive."

Source: Stuff May 28, 2019 23:48 UTC