BR was represented by Matt and Ciara and pleaded guilty to 8 charges involving importation, possession for supply and conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs. BR had been arrested as part of Operation Skipjack, a major investigation into the importation of illegal drugs in the Wellington region. BR had earlier faced 98 charges

At sentencing in the Wellington District Court, the Crown sought an overall starting point of 15 – 16 years imprisonment.

However, Matt sought discounts for a raft of mitigating factors including BR’s guilty plea, remorse, factors relating to his upbringing, addiction and rehabilitative efforts at Red Door Rehabilitation Facility, time on bail and lack of previous convictions.

His Honour Judge Hobbs acknowledged these factors in his decision and provided a discount of 70%. This resulted in an end sentence for BR of 3 years and 7 months imprisonment, an exceptional result.

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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