Two years four months jail following a $259,100 benefit fraud by David Earle Harnett was confirmed by the High Court.
For nearly ten years, Harnett collected social welfare benefits without declaring either ownership of a mortgage-free property in the Auckland inner city suburb of Grey Lynn or his part-ownership of a property in Paris. Harnett returned to New Zealand from Paris in 2006 with his two young children. His wife remained in Paris. Rather than living at his Grey Lynn property, Harnett chose to rent in another suburb. Grey Lynn in turn was rented out.
Justice Brewer said the sentence was not manifestly excessive. Deterrence and denunciation was required. Pleading guilty, Harnett repaid the $259,100.
Harnett v. Social Development – High Court (23.05.18)
18.114