Kiwi fraud accused's bail bid

Michael Helsby-Knight faces more than 100 charges of causing loss by deception and dishonestly using documents. Photo / Michael Craig

An alleged Kiwi fraudster, who once was deemed such a menace by Australian officials they banned him from doing business in New South Wales, is making a bid for bail after more than two years in custody.

Michael Helsby-Knight, who is in his mid-50s, faces more than 100 charges of causing loss by deception and dishonestly using documents.

The amount at issue in the alleged fraud is said to be around $190,000.

Helsby-Knight allegedly fleeced people for iPhones, computers and televisions and took deposits for electronic goods that never arrived.

He also accused of sending documents about a Chinese trade fair which he had no connection with.

Helsby-Knight's trial is due to take place next September.

He appeared in the Auckland District Court near the end of 2012 after being arrested in Bangkok, where he had been based for the previous four years.

His Thai visa was cancelled and he returned back to New Zealand, denying the charges soon after his arrival.

Other aliases he is understood to go by include Foxconn GroupPlc, Michael Caughey, Mike Brandoff, Michael Kain, Michael Kuhn, Michael Maverick and Michael Wright.

After more than two years in custody, Helsby-Knight today made a fresh bid to be released on bail.

A lawyer representing him appeared in the High Court at Auckland this morning to appeal an earlier decision refusing bail.

The hearing, however, was adjourned until next month.