![Judge Brandts-Giesen at the special sitting held in the Invercargill District Court last week to...](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2023/03/s-courtbg3_0.jpg?itok=ByWcVoO7)
A special session was organised by the Southland Law Society to farewell Judge John Brandts-Giesen on Friday as it was supposed to be his last day in court before retiring this week.
However, the illness of a judge who was due to preside in Invercargill on Tuesday led to his return, presiding during the court list.
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"I was thrown out and sent back here," he said.
"Now I know there is life after death."
Sentences imposed by Judge John Brandts-Giesen in the Invercargill District Court were. —
— Raynor Ranui Larsen (36), fisherman, of Bluff, assault of a person in a family relationship, Bluff, February 9, 12 months’ deferred sentence, protection order issued.
— Colin Hakie Eruewera Rikona (32), meat worker, of Invercargill, breach of community work, Rotorua, September 9, fined $800, court costs $130, community work cancelled.
— Jordon Robert Bulling (25), possession of cannabis, possession of utensils, cultivation of cannabis, Ranui, September 6, 2020; possession of ammunition, Ranui, January 13; fined $800, court costs $130.
— Miguel Robert Mahuika-Barlow (20), meat grader, of Invercargill, drink-driving (455mcg), Invercargill, January 22, fined $500, disqualified six months, court costs $130.