Precious metals seized from illegal steroids dealer
The Crown has grabbed cash and precious metals from illegal steriods dealer Phillip James Musson and the fate of his properties is still under discussion.
Justice Christian Whata indicated he would ratify the settlement agreement for the seizure of the assets later today, after a hearing in the High Court at Christchurch this morning.
The partial settlement means that Musson, 45, of Bishopdale, has agreed to hand over two silver ingots, a gold ingot, 47kg of silver, 20 silver coins, and $60,610 in cash.
The goods were held by another person who had obtained them for Musson but denied any involvement in the criminal activity and had never been charged. Counsel for that person, Kerry Cook, told the court that the man had had interim name suppression and argued that the order should be made permanent now that settlement had been reached.
Justice Whata indicated he would grant that permanent order in the minute he would issue later.
It is understood the continuing discussions concern properties, a trailer, and a motorcycle.
Counsel for Musson, and his wife, and another relative in the civil action, Trudi Aickin, told the hearing that discussions were continuing and if further settlement could be reached a memorandum would be filed with the court.
She said Musson had now been transferred from the North Island to the Otago Correctional Facility which made it easier to obtain instructions.
She believed Musson would instruct her in writing about a monetary settlement proposal for the remainder of the claim by the Commissioner of Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
“He is instructing me to avoid forfeiture of the house which is the main asset held by him and his wife. He is indicating he will provide something to me in the next few weeks,” she said.
Justice Whata adjourned the hearing to February 18. He said it was a final adjournment and if the claim had not been resolved by then “the court will move to determine the matter”.
The Commissioner of Police has been seeking forfeiture of 45-year-old Musson’s assets after he was jailed for nearly five years six months on 182 Medicines Act charges of dealing in steroids as well as three separate charges of importing and selling a class C drug, and supplying a class B drug – methadone – between January and May, 2012. He pleaded guilty to all charges.
Crown prosecutor Kathy Bell described the terms of the settlement reached so far to the court, and said the commissioner was now waiting on further information.
Category: Focus
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: