Jeffrey Wright against the Otago Daily Times

The Otago Daily Times published an article on October 15, 2025, titled Shock as four jailed over violent home invasion.

This was a report of a court hearing in which four people were sent to jail for their roles in a violent home invasion stemming from a dispute over a $340 firewood payment.

Jeffrey Wright, who was sentenced to one month in prison for intimidation, attempted theft and being unlawfully in a building, complained that the report was far from the truth.

“Nothing of this nature happened and you don't get 2 weeks jail for a serious home invasion.

“I'm well known around Dunedin and highly respected by a lot of people. You have damaged my reputation my job and my business your write up was a nail in the coffin.”

The Otago Daily Times responded that the article reported what was said in court.

The Media Council noted that the article was a straightforward report of what happened and what was said in court. There was a significant home invasion, and the short sentences of imprisonment reflected that.

Mr Wright has provided no evidence to show that the report breached any Media Council Principles.