Former Immigration boss escapes jail for CV fraud

Mary Anne Thompson. Photo / Ross Setford

Former Immigration Service head Mary Anne Thompson was today sentenced to 100 hours community service and fined $10,000 after falsely claiming she had a doctorate degree from the London School of Economics.

She had been enrolled at the school, but did not reach doctorate level. During depositions hearings the court was told Thompson believed "in her head" she had achieved her PhD.

Thompson, 54, used the credentials while applying for positions with the Maori Affairs Ministry in 1989 and the Department of the Prime Minister in 1998.

Initially she had faced three charges, but in February admitted one charge of using a document fraudulently in a deal in which the remaining charges were dropped and avoided a trial which had been scheduled for June.

At her sentencing in Wellington District Court today, Judge Bruce Davidson said her deception did not appear to have been critical in her appointment to those roles.

In addition she had performed admirably and "served the New Zealand public extremely well."

Judge Davidson said the offending was clearly out of character and "it is probably more of a result of procrastinating on your part" in not following up on her academic achievements.

However, he noted the State Services Commission's submission to the court which said her offending had undermined confidence in the sector.

He said Thompson's reputation had been badly damaged and she would likely struggle to find work in the public service, but expected she had more to offer the community.

"I hope some job prospects for you emerge."

Judge Davidson sentenced Thompson to 100 hours community service and fined her $10,000 - an amount her lawyer said was readily available.

The offending came to light after Thompson resigned from her senior position in the Labour Department in 2008 after being accused of a conflict of interest for helping her Kiribati relatives to gain residency in New Zealand.

- NZPA