An Auckland man who admitted his involvement in an advertising scam has avoided a jail sentence and been ordered to serve seven months home detention.
James Burns, 41, was sentenced in the High Court at Wellington on 14 charges of dishonestly using a document.
The advertising scam Burns was involved with ran form June 2009 until October 2012 and led to customers paying for advertising that was never published.
His lawyer said Burns recognised his wrongdoing and expressed genuine remorse and he was now helping the Serious Fraud Office with its enquiries.
Justice Collins said the scam was sophisticated and pre-meditated and Burns had been a salesperson for the operation.
The start of the sentence has been deferred until 25 October to allow Burns time to help his current employer.