Matt and Ciara appeared in Auckland District Court in a 2-week jury trial for a client sports coach charged with historic sexual abuse allegations made by two past sportswomen in New Zealand and abroad. The first complainant alleged she was indecently assaulted when she was 15 years old, below the age of consent. The second complainant alleged that when she was aged between around 16 and 21 years old, she was raped on four occasions when our client was controlling every aspect of her life when hired by her family as fulltime coach. 

Our client accepted he had relationships with both women which were consensual, but they had opportunities to complain about the alleged abuse. In countering the second complainant it was argued there were extensive photos, text messages and iPhone messages which showed they were romantically involved and they had travelled worldwide together for the complainant to play in tournaments.  

Initially our client was charged with 10 charges and following trial, he was found guilty of five.

Recent News

Not Guilty at Judge Alone Trial- Receiving property over $1000

After two years of going through the court system, a client was found not guilty at judge alone trial under the assistance of Spencer, who successfully convinced the judge that there was reasonable doubt in the client being reckless in receiving the stolen property.

Successful review for Diversion

A client was declined entry into the Diversion programme- a Police led initiative which may allow first time offenders to do self-improvement courses instead of receiving a conviction.

Spencer successfully led the client through the right to review process, having the Police reconsider their decision and offer Diversion to her after all.

STAFF NEWS

We are happy to advise that our law clerk, Spencer Wells, has recently been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court.

He has now begun his role within Goodwin Law as a junior barrister, and we look forward to watching his development.

STAFF NEWS

We advise that after close to 5 years working at Goodwin Law, Ciara Chester-Cronin has left the practice, effective from 4 April 2025. We wish her all the best with her future endeavours.

We are pleased to announce that Ciara will be replaced by another successful criminal lawyer, who commences on 12 April (details to be announced shortly). Our law clerk Spencer Wells, who has worked for the practice for 3 years, moves into a fulltime role as a junior following his admission to the Bar on 23 May.

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