Retiring judge steps into the breach

A judge who sat at the bench for the last time last week was back in the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday.

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.

Before the session began, Judge Brandts-Giesen said he had been sent to heaven by those who spoke at his farewell last week.

"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.