Media Release

15 June 2012

Second person sentenced in SFO bribery prosecution

Gregory Alexander Hutt (54) has been sentenced to 11 months home detention in the Wellington High Court today.

Mr Hutt has also forfeited the $205,659.00 to the Crown, being the profit he made on the transaction. Mr Hutt has paid an additional $101,294.00 in tax relating to the Whangarei building development

Mr Hutt pleaded guilty last month to a Crimes Act corruption charge brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) for his part in a bribery case involving the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

ACC National Property Manager and co-offender Malcolm David Mason, was prosecuted and sentenced in March 2011.

Mr Hutt was the director of a construction company, Hi-Tech Commercial Interiors. In the course of conducting his business, Mr Hutt had business dealings with Mr Mason in his role as ACC National Property Manager.

Mr Hutt paid Mr Mason a corrupt payment of $160,000.00 to ensure he gained the opportunity to profit from the construction and leasing of a new ACC branch office in Whangarei.

SFO Chief Executive, Adam Feeley, said “We are pleased to bring this matter to a successful conclusion. It has been a very lengthy and time-consuming case, but which reinforces the commitment that law enforcement agencies in New Zealand have to taking a zero-tolerance approach to any case involving bribery of public officials.”

ENDS

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