Man ‘told Fibs’ About Camera (Press, 21 December 1978)
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Summary: Man ‘told Fibs’ About Camera (Press, 21 December 1978)
In a case heard at the Magistrate’s Court on 20 December 1978, Robin Duff, a 31-year-old post-primary teacher and Values Party candidate for Christchurch Central, was convicted of defrauding the Customs Department by failing to declare a camera purchased duty-free. Duff was fined $200 and forfeited the camera, worth $554, which would have incurred a duty and sales tax of $13 if declared. The incident occurred when Duff returned to Christchurch on 5 September 1978 after a 17-day trip to Australia. Upon arrival, Customs officer Steven Collier warned him that all duty-free goods must be declared. During a baggage search, Customs officer Patrick John Barber discovered a sealed pamphlet regarding a camera. Initially, Duff claimed the camera was bought retail from a Christchurch shop two months prior. However, when Barber indicated the camera would be detained for proof, Duff admitted to having "told fibs" and revealed that he had indeed purchased the camera duty-free for $220 before his departure. Barber noted that Duff was friendly and calm but appeared confused about Customs regulations. In further testimony, Gary Wood, a senior Customs officer, recounted discussing the camera with Duff, who mistakenly considered it part of his personal effects and thought it did not need to be declared. Duff stated that previous experiences with Customs had left him feeling "done over" and that he did not intend to deceive. Duff elaborated that he felt pressured and upset upon re-entry and had "fibbed" about the camera details under stress. He maintained that he could not plead guilty to smuggling, as that would imply intent to deceive, which he denied. In a related case, a 22-year-old farmer, Thomas Ian Groundwater, faced similar charges. He was fined $150 and forfeited his camera as well.
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