$1.7m fraudster cries as sentenced to jail

Nelson businessman Warren Russell Green cried as he was jailed for five-and-a-half years today.

Green, 53, pleaded guilty to two representative counts of theft by misappropriating money.

He stole a total of $1.7 million from investors in his Mobile Finance Centre.

Judge Tony Zohrab said Green's offending was premeditated and took place over more than six years, the Nelson Mail reported.

His actions had a serious impact on 65 investors and there was no hope of recovering the cash.

Green was well known in Nelson sporting circles and even mentored youngsters.

Clients often recommended their friends invest with him.

- NZPA