Charge laid over false statement

3 June 2012

A Blenheim man is to appear in the Blenheim District Court on a charge laid by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Michael Joseph O’Brien, 53, a race horse owner and trainer of Blenheim, has pleaded not guilty to making a false statement with intent to deceive, under section 242(1)(b) of the Crimes Act 1961.

The allegation concerns statements made by Mr O’Brien to a Department investigator in October 2009 regarding his involvement with the Blenheim-based gambling society, Bluegrass Holdings Limited.

No date has been fixed for the defended hearing.

Media contact:
Trevor Henry, senior communications adviser, Department of Internal Affairs
Ph 04 495 7211; cell 021 245 8642