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Senior members of the real estate industry wrote letters of support for a former executive who admitted receiving commercial sex services from a girl. The letters were presented by former OneRoof chief Greg Hornblow as part of his failed attempt to seek permanent name suppression and a discharge without conviction. OneRoof is owned by NZME, which also publishes the Herald. The letters were released to the Herald this week by the Auckland District Court after suppression relating to Hornblow’s identity lapsed. Some were undated but written after the 60-year-old admitted his offending last November and was dismissed from his role at NZME. According to an agreed summary of facts, Hornblow presented himself as a “sugar daddy” when he met the 14-year-old girl in September last year via Snapchat. Hornblow sent her Uber Eats in return for intimate photos and videos – one of them in her school uniform. He later gave her a $200 gift card, then agreed to pay her $1000 cash for sexual activity. In a statement after suppression lifted, NZME chief executive Michael Boggs said the company had been “appalled to learn of the serious charge against former NZME employee Greg Hornblow”. ‘This reference hard to write’Carey Smith, who told the Herald his letter was written in a personal capacity, was among those who wrote in support of Hornblow ahead of his sentencing. Smith’s letter, dated January 30 this year, said he had known Hornblow for 29 years. “I don’t shy away from the fact that I find this reference hard to write, not because of the person but because of the actions that have led Greg to ask me to write this reference.” Smith said he would try to separate the person he was writing about from the actions the court must pass judgment on. Carey Smith. “When we discussed this [Hornblow’s offending] he said to me, ‘I am not a bad person’. He is a good person, a good heart, who will do anything for people and has always been connected to ensure the wellbeing of others. Personally, I have high praise for him as a good person.” Smith wrote that Hornblow’s actions were “living with him every waking moment” and would be “drowning him in 24/7 thought”. Former head of OneRoof Greg Hornblow said he believed the victim was 17. Photo / file Smith said Hornblow’s actions were “unacceptable”. “He says he has no excuse except for unproductive time on his hands which led him down a pathway that he should have blocked but didn’t.” “He is remorseful. He knows he has crossed a significant boundary personally and in doing so caused harm to the victim, caused deep concern for his family, lost employment, and no doubt lost long trusted relationships.” Smith said he lent his words to Hornblow personally, “and in the hope that you see I support Greg to be allowed to make good”. ‘He’s got a lot of shame’ Another letter was written by Calibre Construction general manager Steve Holmes. Holmes wrote that he had known Hornblow personally and professionally for 38 years. “The incident that brings Greg before the court is something I was truly shocked to learn of. It is completely out of character for the man I have known for nearly four decades. “I believe this to be a momentary lapse of judgment rather than a reflection of his values or usual conduct. In all the years I’ve known Greg, I have never witnessed behaviour of this nature, nor do I believe it will ever occur again.” Holmes asked the court to consider Hornblow’s history of good character, the contribution to his professional life and devotion to his family. Granting a discharge without conviction would be a “fair and just outcome”, Holmes wrote. Holmes told the Herald he wrote the letter out of friendship. “People make mistakes. I’m sure Greg’s suffering for this. I know he’s got a lot of shame ... so I’m supporting Greg as a friend.” ‘Reputation is paramount’ Ray White Austar Realty general manager Len Day has known Hornblow for 28 years. He described the importance of family to his friend and said...
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