A fraudster serving home detention in his
$4.8-million Wellington mansion sent out invitations to a "convicts and
tarts" 50th birthday bash, angering at least one victim still waiting
for reparation.
Shaan Stevens promised guests would see "the elite
of the criminal underworld and their entourage strut their stuff
through the night" when he sent the invite out to friends for the March
bash.
That was despite the former Wellington Free Ambulance
chairman, executive director of consultancy firm Guinness Gallagher and
member of the Victoria University council serving 10 months' home
detention for fraud and owing $121,851 to victims.
But on Tuesday Stevens said he had cancelled the party following inquiries from APNZ.
Rocks
had been thrown at his house during his court case and someone had
disconnected the water. He did not want to put his family through that
again, he told the news agency.
When questioned whether it was appropriate to throw such a party while still owing people money, Stevens said he had paid some.
But one woman still owed $43,000 said the party plans showed a lack of awareness and remorse.
She was having to pay $5000 a month in tax and interest to the Inland Revenue Department because of his actions.
"I am finding it very difficult. He's sitting up there in his mansion, seemingly living a generous lifestyle."
The
Corrections Department was not aware of the planned party, but Stevens'
home detention conditions do not include bans on alcohol or parties.
Stevens' house is on the market and he must repay his clients $121,851 when it sells.
NZN