A former diplomat involved in a protracted legal battle with courts and police sent threatening emails to chief judges in which he said they might be assassinated for perceived injustices.
John Colman, 63, of Whangarei, also sent emails to the Governor-General Sir Jerry Mataparae in August 2013 to draw further attention to his plight. His actions led to a police investigation which culminated in conviction in the Whangarei District Court in February this year on a charge of criminal harassment.
Colman pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 12 months' good behaviour bond. He appealed against the conviction and sentence in the High Court at Whangarei but failed to turn up for a hearing yesterday although he had filed full submissions.
His battle with police and courts began after he was convicted and fined $250 for using insulting language in 2008 after he swore at a man he said refused to leave his property.
Colman's appeals were rejected by the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He has since gone to great lengths, including a hunger strike in May last year, to try and remedy what he saw as great injustice by sending various emails to judges, including the Chief Justice, MPs and to Sir Jerry.