Facing charges of theft and deception with allegations she misappropriated $103,600 from CCS Disability Action, Toddy Shepherd failed in her application for name suppression arguing disclosure would affect operations at her new employer Kaitaia-based He Korowai Trust.
Police are prosecuting Ms Shepherd for alleged unauthorised expenditure relating to accommodation, flights, rental cars, petrol purchases, credit card purchases and cash withdrawals on her corporate credit card when employed by CCS Disability. She resigned from CCS in November 2015. She was charged three months after starting work with He Korowai Trust. She is responsible for the Trust’s Sweet-As Academy, providing vocational training.
He Korowai chief executive Ricky Houghton told the High Court Trust funding is subject to political pressure. The Trust needs to maintain public confidence. He said the Trust has up to 190 families receiving support. Major funders Foundation North and Te Puni Kokiri had been advised confidentially that Ms Shepherd faces criminal charges.
Name suppression requires proof of extreme hardship, Justice Gordon ruled. Speculation that funding for the Trust might be cut does not reach the standard of extreme hardship, she said. Both Foundation North and Te Puni Koriki have indicated funding arrangements will continue in the interim pending a hearing of charges against Ms Shepherd. Mr Houghton told them Ms Shepherd has no authority to disburse Trust funds.
Shepherd v. Police – High Court (23.05.18)
18.115