Story perspectives

Justice Minister Bans Good-Character References; Nield Sentenced 7.5 Years

6/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced a change stopping judges from using an offender’s prior good history in sentencing.
Mitchell Nield was given a seven-and-a-half-year term in Kaikohe District Court for assault and connection with a minor, with Judge McDonald noting research shows 93-95% of such allegations are true.
Rape Crisis coordinator Amanda MacFarlane said case proves judges can sentence without good-character references, ensuring a background does not lessen the offense.

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Story summary

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced a change stopping judges from using an offender’s prior good history in sentencing.
Mitchell Nield was given a seven-and-a-half-year term in Kaikohe District Court for assault and connection with a minor, with Judge McDonald noting research shows 93-95% of such allegations are true.
Rape Crisis coordinator Amanda MacFarlane said case proves judges can sentence without good-character references, ensuring a background does not lessen the offense.