Bill Heslop pleads guilty to stealing $267,961 from rugby association

William Peter Heslop pleaded guilty in the Hamilton District Court on October 5, 2026, to stealing $267,961 from the Waikato Rugby Referees Association over a 12-year period, the Waikato Times reported. The 63-year-old admitted to one representative charge of theft by a person in a special relationship.

Prosecutors established that the financial offenses occurred between January 16, 2013, and November 24, 2025. During this timeframe, Heslop held a position of responsibility within the association that granted him direct access to and control over its bank accounts and financial systems.

How the Financial Systems Were Compromised

The Waikato Rugby Referees Association handles the administration, coordination, and payment of match officials across the Waikato region. Its operating funds rely on affiliation fees, match fees, and financial contributions from associated sporting bodies and rugby unions.

According to the agreed summary of facts presented in court, Heslop systematically caused numerous payments to be transferred from association accounts directly to bank accounts under his control.

Legal counsel Philip Morgan KC entered the guilty plea on behalf of Heslop during the Monday court appearance before Judge Arthur Tompkins. Prosecutors are seeking total reparation of $258,761, which represents the full criminal liability minus a single transaction of $9,200 that has already been repaid.

Court Timeline and Restorative Proceedings

Judge Tompkins accepted the guilty plea and remanded Heslop on ongoing bail. The court scheduled the next appearance for a sentencing monitoring date on December 3, 2026, at which point an official sentencing date will be fixed.

The presiding judge also ordered the preparation of a formal reparation report. He also directed that a restorative justice conference take place between Heslop and the victims affected by the long-running theft.

associated with the association

Agreed summary of facts