Roger McClay pleads guilty

The Herald reports:

Former Government Minister Roger McClay has admitted a $25,000 double-dipping rort of cash-strapped charities and taxpayer money.

The 65-year-old pleaded guilty to three representative fraud charges that he abused his ex-MP perk of taxpayer-subsidised flights, then falsely claimed travel costs from two charities he worked for. …

Judge Jan Doogue described the $24,687.10 fraud as “significant” in the Auckland District Court yesterday where she indicated a sentence of community work if he pleaded guilty.

I am glad that Roger has pleaded guilty, which avoids a trial, and also the indication that he will not go to jail.

His actions can only be described as venal and corrupt, and I say this with great sadness about someone whose company I have always enjoyed. Roger has done much for the community as an MP, Minister and Children’s Commissioner – and he will regret that his actions have stained his record of service.

He is still young enough at 65, that he can continue work for the community, after his sentence, to rehabilitate his reputation.