Cash
and motor vehicles valued at $221,000 owned by Clinton Kelvin Taylor and Jackie
Ann Cox have been forfeited to the Crown as proceeds of crime.
The High Court was told
Taylor had been involved in the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine
between 2014 and 2016. Two trials were
aborted after crucial evidence was ruled inadmissible. He pleaded guilty to
possession of methamphetamine after a September 2014 drug bust at an Auckland
inner city hotel. His partner Cox was
convicted in May 2014 of cultivating and supplying cannabis. She was also party to benefit fraud. Both were involved in tax evasion. At a time when his only declared income was
social welfare benefits, Taylor acquired motor vehicles worth at least
$105,650.
In 2014, High Court
restraining orders were imposed on cash and seven vehicles linked to Taylor and
Cox: three motor bikes, three motor vehicles and a jet ski. Two of these vehicles: a high-performance Aprilia motorcycle and a
Holden Crewman ute could not be found.
Taylor said the Aprilia was seized by its former owner because money was
still owing. Taylor could not explain
what had happened to the Holden Crewman.
Justice Wylie approved
a negotiated settlement under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Cash totalling $109,400 found at the scene of
two drug busts plus the five remaining motor vehicles were forfeited to the
Crown as being proceeds of crime.
Commissioner
of Police v. Taylor & Cox – High Court (30.05.17)
17.058