November 22, 2014 6:51am by David Farrar

Smith out of money

Recaptured murderer Phillip Smith has had all his money confiscated, and his family and former business partner are refusing to stump up cash to pay for a lawyer.

Tony Ellis, who has represented Smith in New Zealand, has been trying to arrange a Brazilian lawyer to visit him in jail in Rio de Janeiro. But they all want payment upfront. One had asked for a business-class airfare to New Zealand to discuss the case, Ellis said.

When Smith, 40, fled from Auckland Airport on November 6, he told Customs officers he was carrying $10,600.

Whatever money he had when he was arrested nine days ago was confiscated, and was being held under a court order at the New Zealand embassy. It could not be released without court approval.

“It’s a catch 22,” Ellis said. “If he had given me any money, I could have gone over there and organised this, but I don’t have any money to do that.”

He approached Smith’s family yesterday to see if they could provide $2000 towards legal costs. However, a spokesman for the family said they could not afford to help.

Oh dear. His plan is not going so well.

Of course if he had not fled New Zealand, then he wouldn’t have all these problems.