PHOTO: Aaron Drever, FILE
Convicted fraudster and former real estate high-flyer Aaron Drever is appealing a 15-month prison sentence, requesting home detention due to a violent assault suffered during a previous jail term.
Appearing in the High Court at Auckland, Drever’s lawyer argued that the assault—where an inmate attacked him with a grill hook in Ngawha Prison—left him with severe injuries and ongoing post-traumatic stress. The incident occurred during his earlier imprisonment for fraud in 2022.
🏛️ The Appeal: Home Detention over Prison
Drever’s lawyer Shannon Withers told Justice David Johnstone that the sentencing judge had discretion to impose home detention, and that doing so would be more appropriate given Drever’s mental health and history of trauma in prison.
“Even now I have recurring nightmares. I wake up in a cold sweat,” Drever reportedly told the court.
Despite a pre-sentencing report acknowledging the risk of reoffending, it also recommended home detention as a viable option.
🧑⚖️ The Crown’s View: A Calculated and Cynical Offender
However, Crown prosecutor Dennis Dow opposed the appeal, describing Drever as a “calculated” and “cynical” offender who committed serious fraud while on bail.
Drever was convicted in March for insolvency-related charges and impersonating a wealthy businessman while acting in a managerial role during his bankruptcy. The court found he had deliberately breached bankruptcy laws, including using a false identity.
“Mr Drever lacks insight into his conduct,” Dow said, adding that Drever tried to downplay his actions as mere “tick box errors”.
The Crown also noted that Drever was already being held in segregation, with prison officials taking steps to ensure his safety.
💰 History of Fraud and Financial Harm
Drever has a well-documented history of financial offending. In 2022, he was jailed for over two years after defrauding the Avondale Bowling Club of $500,000 and stealing $100,000 from Auckland Speedway boss Bill Buckley, who had given him a second chance.
Despite now offering to pay reparations, the judge reminded the court that Drever remains an undischarged bankrupt and has no legal control over his finances.
🏡 From Real Estate Success to Repeated Convictions
Once one of New Zealand’s top real estate agents, Drever sold hundreds of homes and earned millions in commissions. However, he also notched up the highest number of disciplinary findings in the industry before being struck off for misconduct.
“Effectively everyone was doing it,” Drever reportedly said of his past actions—an attitude the Crown says reflects a continued lack of accountability.
⚖️ What Happens Next?
Justice Johnstone has reserved his decision, leaving Drever’s future hanging in the balance.
🔍 Key Facts at a Glance
| 🔎 Issue | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| 🧑⚖️ Appeal | 15-month prison sentence |
| 💥 Grounds | Violent prior assault; mental health concerns |
| 💼 Charges | Fraud, bankruptcy breaches, impersonation |
| 🏦 Victims | Avondale Bowling Club, Bill Buckley |
| 📉 Status | Undischarged bankrupt; high risk of reoffending |
| ⚖️ Outcome | Decision pending |