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Conman denied parole

Board rules convicted fraudster must continue jail term for scam involving high-end vehicles.
Posted on 16 August, 2021
Conman denied parole

An undischarged bankrupt who convinced his victims to hand over about $700,000 for the promise of luxury cars will remain in prison.

Raymond Anthony Andrews appeared before the Parole Board this month seeking an early release from prison after being sentenced to six years and six months in July 2019.

The 71-year-old’s history of deceit includes tax avoidance and non-compliance with community-based sentences and bail. 

He was imprisoned after being convicted of fraud, using forged documents and concealing or removing property. His victims between 2015 and 2017 included another vehicle business that lost $345,000.

Andrews was an undischarged bankrupt controlling a company contrary to the Companies Act when he was importing and distributing high-end vehicles. He also wilfully misled the Official Assignee (OA).

He even defrauded his own daughter by opening a bank account in her name and secretly using it without disclosing it to the OA.

The Crown described his case, which was brought as a joint prosecution by the police and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, as one of the most egregious bankruptcy breaches to come before the courts.

In the board’s decision, released to the NZ Herald, the parole assessment report referred to Andrews as having a medium risk of reoffending.

Andrews is also awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his convictions and sentence, which was heard in June.

The decision states: “Andrews spoke to the board about his appeal and the grounds for it. He told us he has remorse and is accountable, and expressed his concern about his continued incarceration because the court of appeal decision is not available.”

Andrews’ lawyer, Marie Taylor-Cyphers, said the board could consider releasing him into the community to complete programmes and commented on the possibility of the appeal being partially successful, which would result in a bail application.

However, the board said Andrews remains a risk to the community while he is yet to undertake any rehabilitation or produce a robust release proposal approved by the Department of Corrections.

Andrews was previously jailed in 2013 for 15 months for controlling a business while bankrupt, obtaining credit by deception and concealing two bank accounts.

He will be seen again by the Parole Board in April 2022, while his statutory release date is December 10, 2024.