No lawyer, thanks - I'll tell the truth instead

A savvy defendant gave a simple answer when asked if he wanted a lawyer to represent him – no thanks, he would tell the truth.

Malcolm Ngeru, 42, was in the Wellington District Court dock yesterday because he took a $91 taxi ride from Newtown to Taita, without having the $91.

Judge Bridget Mackintosh offered him the chance to see a duty solicitor, but Ngeru declined, saying he would tell the truth instead.

Ngeru pleaded guilty and said he had wanted to pay the money, but his girlfriend had left with his money – and another man.

He said Lower Hutt police were cruel and would not tell him the taxi driver's name, so he had not been able to repay the money so far.

The judge sentenced Ngeru to pay the $91.

Ngeru promised to pay, but said he had a lot of debt at the moment, although it was not his fault.

Then he returned to his honesty-is-the-best-policy decision. "Oh, yes it is. I'm not blaming anyone else."

Ngeru topped off his court appearance by kissing a court staffer as he left the dock.

- © Fairfax NZ News