The son of a rich list wine family has been discharged without conviction
The son of a rich list wine family has been discharged without conviction, after being caught importing cocaine and other drugs
21 October 2018
51-year-old Joseph Peter Babich was initially convicted and sentenced to 12 months' home detention in the Auckland District Court on five charges.
That came after six parcels containing cocaine, methamphetamine and ketamine were intercepted.
Mr Babich admitted his offending, saying it was an attempt at self-medication.
The High Court's Justice Simon France has now quashed his convictions, on the basis the consequences would be out of proportion to the seriousness of the crimes.
Joseph Babich has been offered a job in the wine industry in a position that involves travel overseas.
Convictions would have prevented that.
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