Kirk convicted on Insolvency Act charges

Press, 25 October 1985, Page 2

Kirk convicted on Insolvency Act charges

PA Wellington The former member of Parliament, Norman John Kirk, has been convicted and remanded for a presentence report after pleading guilty to three charges under the Insolvency Act. Kirk, aged 38, unemployed, appeared before Judge Rabone in the District Court at Wellington yesterday. Sergeant Jim McDonough, prosecuting, said that in the two years before July, 1984, Kirk had personal debts of $263,373. Proof of debts and admitted by the accused amounted to $143,559. Proof of debts, but not admitted by Kirk, amounted to $119,814. On July 7, 1984, Kirk, accompanied by his wife, quit New Zealand and travelled to the United States. He was adjudged bankrupt in the High Court in Wellington on July 30. On September 7 the police found that on May 31, 1984, Kirk had travelled to the United States with cheques and cash to the value of $5450. It was, further revealed he had opened a bank account, had obtained a Californian driver’s licence, and had taken out a .lease on a condominium. Before July, 1984, he had

been served with civil notices but had claimed privilege on one of them. In mid-June he was a candidate in the Parliamentary elections.

In July he departed New Zealand, taking SUS3OOO, $5BOO, and SUS37BO worth of traveller’s cheques. Sergeant McDonough said it was further revealed that he had arranged through a third party to get 32 krugerrands, which were picked up from an Auckland bullion dealer. On November 8 Kirk was spoken to by the New Zealand police in Los Angeles. He admitted the facts but denied that he had intended to defraud his creditors. He said there had been threats made to his life after his voting twice against his own party. He declined to provide details of the threats. Kirk acknowledged that he had obtained legal opinion before leaving and was aware that he was not allowed to take more than $5O to $lOO. He said it was a stupid law. On June 19, 1985, he was arrested and later extradited to New Zealand. Counsel, Mr Mike Burigay, called for a report. Kirk was remanded to November 8.