Golf pro case dropped

Joshua Hirst (right) was stopped at Auckland Airport by customs.

A golf professional who was arrested at Auckland Airport last month after working in a shop at Hastings Golf Club, has since had his charge withdrawn and left the country.

Joshua Hirst, aged in his mid 20s, was arrested at Auckland Airport after Customs received an automated warning as he attempted to leave New Zealand.

He appeared in the Manukau District Court on the same day, charged with unlawful conversion of a motor vehicle, and was remanded on bail.

But Mr Hirst's duty lawyer confirmed the charge was withdrawn the next day.

"It was a civil matter, so there never should have been a criminal charge laid."

Mr Hirst had purchased a car from a staff member at Hastings Golf Club but had been unable to follow through with the payment agreement, his duty lawyer said.

He left the car parked near the golf club and travelled to Auckland by bus.

He posted the car keys to the golf club before he was arrested at Auckland International Airport.

Mr Hirst had subsequently paid for the car "as a gesture of goodwill," and had left New Zealand.

He worked for two months at Special Tee Golf, which is situated at the Hastings Golf Club. The Bridge Pa golf course is ranked among the the country's top 10 courses.