Judge Michael Lance was yesterday charged in the North Shore District Court with the wilful damage of a vehicle parked across the driveway of his $1 million North Shore apartment in March.
His lawyer, John Haigh QC, confirmed that the judge, a former deputy head of the old Police Complaints Authority, would defend the allegation at a hearing next March.
Judicial spokesman Neil Billington declined to comment on the charge but said the 73-year-old judge was retired. He had been sitting as a judge with an acting judicial warrant, but that expired this year.
The charge was laid after the police investigation focused on whether the judge intentionally used a key to scratch the Volkswagen Golf allegedly more than 20 times around lunchtime.
The damage was photographed by officers and forensically examined.
Owner Richard Cummins, an Auckland businessman, said $4000 of damage was done to the car. The repairs were covered by insurance, but he was left to pay his policy's $400 excess.
He declined to comment further as the matter was before the courts, but appreciated the police investigating so thoroughly.
"I'm pleased the police didn't turn a blind eye," Mr Cummins said.
Detective Inspector Bruce Scott led the investigation and the decision to lay the charge against such a prominent member of society was vetted by Crown Law and Police National Headquarters in Wellington.
Attorney-general Chris Finlayson was briefed on the investigation and Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson was also aware of the alleged incident.
Lance was interviewed by police, as was a witness who had been having lunch on the footpath when the alleged incident took place, and two constables who intervened.
