Senior bailiff falsely endorsed summonses

Press, 28 February 1987, Page 40

Senior bailiff falsely endorsed summonses

PA Palmerston North

A former senior court bailiff at Palmerston North who admitted falsely endorsing court summonses was fined over $5OOO in the District Court.

Brian James Richfield, a self-employed labourer, aged 49, admitted six charges of falsely endorsing judgment summonses for civil debts. His counsel, Mr 'Peter Coles, said Richfield had an “enormous workload” — including responsibility for 400 files at the time — partly because of an increase in fines enforcements. He had been working from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. some days, and on Saturdays.

"This was a momentary lapse out of sheer frustra-

tion brought about by pressure of work.”

Richfield knew each of the complainants and they were aware proceedings were being taken in court. They had said they were not Interested in court proceedings until the court made orders for them to pay an amount per week. Mr Coles said Richfield had resigned from the Justice Department, where he had been well respected. Several staff members had approached Mr Coles to confirm the pressure of work which cost Richfield his job.

Judge Inglis said he took into account Richfield’s nine years of dedication, his shame and remorse at his lapse, and the fact that nobody suf-

fered loss of liberty or property.

“I don’t overlook that this lapse could have been brought about by frustration at a heavy and seemingly never-ending workload.”

But Judge Inglis said Richfield breached the trust expected of court officers and betrayed the system which allowed a man to have a fair chance to answer charges against him.

“I have to remember the damage to the credibility of the Justice Department ... the public are entitled to see a stern response.”

Richfield was fined $B5O on each change. The court registrar, Mr Robert Seton, declined to comment after the sentencing.