Liu seeks discharge without conviction
The National Party donor whose links to Maurice Williamson led to the MP losing his ministerial warrants is seeking a discharge without conviction on domestic violence charges.
Donghua Liu, 53, in April pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure and male assaults female after assaulting his de facto wife and her mother.
He was back in Auckland District Court for a progress report into the family violence charges and his lawyer Todd Simmonds said he would seek a discharge without conviction, according to media reports.
Liu is set to be sentenced on August 22.
Liu was granted citizenship in 2010 by Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy despite official advice suggesting it should be declined on the grounds that he didn't meet English language requirements, following lobbying by Mr Williamson among others.
One of Mr Liu's companies made a $22,000 donation to the National Party in 2012.
Mr Williamson resigned as a minister outside cabinet in May after it was discovered he rang police to inquire about Liu's domestic violence case.
Mr Williamson told police during the conversation that Liu was a large investor in building and construction, but that he wasn't trying to interfere in the case.
Police say they reviewed the case following Mr Williamson's call.
