Former police officer Shaun Joseph Keenan is to serve at least half of a three year eight month fraud sentence before eligible for parole. Keenan pleaded guilty to misappropriating $486,000, part of Treaty settlement monies intended by 1800 members of Ngati Te Whiti for construction of a marae in Taranaki.
Keenan left the police in 2012 to become founding chief executive officer of the Te Whiti Trust Board, responsible for managing construction of the hapu’s new marae. He unsuccessfully appealed the length of his non-parole period. He said the sentencing judge failed to take into account his remorse and his status as a first offender. The High Court ruled there was little evidence of remorse; Keenan promised in the two years after the fraud was discovered that he would make good the money taken. Nothing was repaid. During this period he transferred assets out of his name: signing over ownership of a life policy and signing a relationship property agreement transferring his half interest in the Stratford family home to his wife. A cultural report before the court indicated Keenan’s primary focus was on his immediate family, not the harm caused fellow Te Whiti hapu members.
The High Court was told Keenan stole a further $24,000 from another organisation after being fired by Te Whiti Trust Board.
The extended non-parole period was necessary to denounce Keenan for his actions and to deter Keenan and others from similar offending, Justice Churchman said.
R. v. Keenan – High Court (16.12.19)
20.016