A Christchurch judge has reserved his sentencing decision in the case of the country's biggest illegal lottery, but indicated the defendant will not be jailed. Canterbury man Waiariki McIlroy-Jones generated $11 million in a little over a year through an illegal lottery operation.
The defendant pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme, which authorities described as the largest of its kind in New Zealand. The court heard that McIlroy-Jones used the funds for personal expenses and gambling.
Judge Stephen O'Driscoll said in court that while the offending was serious, a prison sentence was not appropriate. The judge reserved his decision to allow for further submissions on the appropriate penalty.
The case has drawn attention to the scale of illegal gambling operations in New Zealand and the challenges of enforcement. The sentencing is expected to be delivered at a later date.
