30 May 2013

Banks denies making false return

2:44 pm on 30 May 2013

The lawyer for ACT Party leader John Banks says the private prosecution for electoral fraud against his client is fundamentally flawed.

John Banks.

John Banks. Photo: RNZ

Retired Wellington accountant Graham McCready is accusing the Epsom MP of making a false return over $65,000 worth of donations he received during his 2010 bid for the Auckland mayoralty.

Mr McCready says John Banks knowingly accepted donations from internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom and SkyCity Casino, but declared them as anonymous.

At the Auckland District Court on Thursday, Mr Banks denied the accusations and his lawyer David Jones, QC, said the case is flawed.

Mr McCready has also laid a complaint against Mr Jones, alleging he that attacked his character at the last hearing earlier in May.