1 Mar 2012

JP convicted of fraud urged to resign

6:05 pm on 1 March 2012

The body representing Justices of the Peace wants a JP convicted of fraud recently to resign from the role.

Martin Elliott, a former Hamilton school principal, was sentenced to 40-hours of community service.

The Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Association has written to Elliott suggesting he resigns as a JP but it does not have any power to make him.

Its registrar, Alan Hart, says the public needs to have confidence in the role of Justice of the Peace.

He says JPs are selected because of their standing in the community and anyone with a serious conviction does not continue to meet the standard expected.

Mr Hart says if Elliott does not resign the association will recommend his removal to the minister.