A man who tried to stop Michael Laws from running for mayor has pleaded guilty to blackmail.
Paul William Evans, 61, beneficiary, of Wanganui, previously denied the charge but yesterday in the Whanganui District Court changed his plea through lawyer Stephen Ross.
Mr Laws, a Wanganui District Council member and former mayor, received a letter on September 6 that demanded he "... get out of public life ... before decent people deal to you".
Evans was arrested three days later and made his first appearance in court on September 12.
He appeared before a judge on November 20 for a sentence indication hearing, which led to yesterday's appearance.