24 YEARS

The trials of Allan Titford

In 1987 Allan Titford was being driven off his farm by people who claimed that part of it was Maori land. His story captured the hearts and minds of many New Zealanders.

However, in 2013, when he was jailed for more than 24 years, he was called “a slave driver, a monster and a liar”.

This book tells how a treaty claim took private land against the will of its owners despite evidence that the claim was unjustified.

It analyses how Allan Titford was jailed for such a long time.

The record jail term is bizarre considering that 12charges relied on the uncorroborated testimony ofa person who admitted to perjury.

Moreover, many of the 53 charges against him were hardly tested in court.

It also shows a hidden parallel story about how the justice system was played for financial gain.

This book exposes judicial failure in both the district court and the Court of Appeal.

It asks whether the process used against Allan Titford is standard practice in the New Zealand justice system and how many more victims have been locked up by using these methods.

Ross Baker, Researcher, One New Zealand Foundation Inc, wrote:

“I have just finished reading 24 Yearsand as I have been very involved with Allan and Susan Titford since the “false” claim was place on Allan’s freehold titled property at Maunganui Bluff, I can confirm this is a true and accurate accounts of the events that ended with Allan being jailed for 24 years because of our corrupt justice system. A must read”.

24 Years, The Trials of Allan Titford,  Mike Butler, Limestone Bluff Publishing, 339 pages, illustrated, $39.50, available from www.trosspublishing.co.nzand at a good bookstore near you.