'They wanted to jail me but they picked on the wrong pensioner' - Banks

John Banks has lashed out at the Attorney-General and Crown Law. Photo / Brett Phibbs, NZ Herald

John Banks has lashed out at the Attorney-General and Crown Law, saying they tried to "cheat" him and were hell-bent on throwing him in jail.

The former Auckland mayor and Act party leader told Paul Henry a failed attempt to prosecute him over donations from internet mogul Kim Dotcom was a disgrace.
"In the end they couldn't beat me so they decided to cheat me."

Attorney-General Chris Finlayson yesterday voiced his support for Crown Law and the Solicitor-General following questions about their conduct in the prosecution of Mr Banks.

After Mr Banks was acquitted of filing a false electoral return in May, Mr Finlayson said he'd review the Crown's prosecution of him.

Mr Finlayson said he was satisfied Crown Law's supervision of the litigation was satisfactory and consistent with the Prosecution Guidelines 2013.

Mr Banks told TV3 he'd built a reputation for honesty over 40 years of public service.

"They wanted to jail me but they picked on the wrong pensioner."

Meanwhile, Mr Banks did not rule out a tilt at the Auckland mayoralty next year.