On 16 May 2024, Mr Hill was convicted of eight charges related to the possession and distribution of objectionable material. The nature of the objectionable publications at issue included sexual violence and violence against children. Mr Hill was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment. He acknowledged that his offending was contrary to “a lawyer’s obligation to uphold the rule of law” and “brought into question his ability to interact safely with clients and the community…” Mr Hill accepted that he had been convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment and the convictions reflect on his fitness to practise or tend to bring the profession into disrepute. He did not oppose strike off.  

It was the Tribunal’s view that “Mr Hill’s own assessment was accurate and that there was no place in the legal profession for a person who had offended in this manner.” It found that he was no longer a fit and proper person and therefore made an order striking him from the roll of barristers and solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand. Mr Hill was also ordered to pay costs.