An Auckland businessman's years-long campaign against Vector chairman Michael Stiassny took another twist yesterday, in the form of a six-week jail sentence for contempt.
Vince Siemer appeared before Justice Judith Potter in the High Court at Auckland for sentencing on charges he deliberately violated an April 2005 orderthat he stop spreading defamatory material about Mr Stiassny.
Mr Stiassny is a former receiver for Siemer's Paragon Oil company.
The defamation was committed in postings to two websites, letters to two newspapers and the distributing of stickers drawing attention to the sites.
Siemer originally appeared on Thursday afternoon, but as he had just arrived back in New Zealand from the US that hearing was adjourned to allow him to collect material for further submissions. However, an order that he be held in custody meant he was unable to collect the material, Siemer said when he returned to court yesterday afternoon.
But that did not stop him addressing the judge at length.
To chortles, gestures of affirmation and applause from a packed public gallery, Siemer accused Justice Potter of running a "kangaroo court", accused Mr Stiassny of perjury and claimed his rights had been denied while in custody at Auckland Central Remand Prison.
Siemer continually spoke directly to his supporters and the press bench, prompting Justice Potter to advise him to address her directly and not refer to her in the third person.
"You are making your submissions to the court ... not the public gallery."
Siemer refused to stand when addressing Justice Potter - claiming his leg had been injured during his time in custody - repeatedly spoke over the top of the judge, and by the end of the hearing sat with his back to the court.
Siemer at one point threatened to go on a hunger strike until he was permitted access to his legal material.
Justice Potter, in sentencing Siemer, blasted his "serious, continuous, deliberate and contumacious" breaches of the injunction.
