An Australian man convicted of a $3.6 million mortgage fraud has been jailed for five years after appearing in a New Zealand court.
Shane Charles Wenzell, who described himself as a business coach and kaumatua, or elder, was found guilty of 35 fraud charges and one of obstruction in December last year.
Wenzell was sentenced at Manukau District Court on Wednesday. The defence had tried to bar media including Radio New Zealand News from the proceedings.
Judge Semi Epati told Wenzell that he had caused great emotional and financial loss to his victims including two people who lost their homes.
The judge told the court Wenzell has shown no remorse for his actions. He sentenced him to four years on the fraud charges, six months on the obstruction charge and another six months for aggravating factors.
