Fraudster was convicted last year to six years and eight months’ imprisonment
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to dismiss the sentence appeal of Auckland businessman Steven Robertson.
Robertson was sentenced by the High Court in October of last year to six years and eight months’ imprisonment after he was convicted of 38 charges under the Crimes Act 1961 for defrauding victims of $2.1m through his PTT Limited company.
In his appeal, Robertson argued that his sentence was excessive, and no minimum period of imprisonment was justified. He also appealed for a 10% sentence reduction based on previous good character, personal and family circumstances, and remorse.
However, the Court of Appeal said it was unable to see any errors by the High Court Judge in declining to allow any discount for previous good character and there was no tangible evidence of remorse from Robertson, such as an early confession or efforts to make amends with victims.
Nick Kynoch, general counsel of the FMA, said the sentence reflects the “serious number of significant charges that Robertson was convicted of.”
“This was a significant case given the egregious harm that Mr Robertson inflicted on elderly and vulnerable people, depriving many of a comfortable retirement,” said Kynoch. “Holding this kind of behaviour to account is essential and we welcome the court’s decision. We express our sympathies to those whose lives and livelihood have been impacted by Mr Robertson’s offending.”
