A retrial date had been set for July 2015  but the case was ultimately quashed by the Court of Appeal on 19 May 2015 when it was revealed a memorandum setting out evidence by some witnesses was subsequently contradicted by themselves had been held back from Banks' legal team and that this evidence meant the new trial was untenable. In July 2014, McCready filed a private prosecution in Auckland's District Court. Court documents name 10 defendants and 22 proposed charges. The defendants include Prime Minister John Key, as well as four police officers including Detective Inspector Mark Benefield, a QC, and a judicial officer. In December 2013, McCready announced that he was planning a private prosecution for manslaughter against former head of Pike River Mine Peter Whitall. He planned to go ahead with the prosecution after talking to the families of the mine workers who died in the Pike River Mine disaster. In February 2013, McCready set up a private prosecution service called the New Zealand Private Prosecution Service, which he intended to be a watchdog for consumers. In 2006, McCready was sentenced to 75 hours community service after he traded while bankrupt. In 2009, McCready was convicted on charges on charges of making false tax returns involving $183,155. He was sentenced to six months' home detention. In 2013, McCready was convicted of blackmailing a company director and sentenced to six months' community detention. He wrote in an apology to the victim that: "My conduct was criminal, unnecessary, and I am sure caused you some considerable distress." Although he escaped jail time, he was unable to pay the court costs and as a consequence was bankrupted. In the Wellington 2013 local government elections, McCready stood as an independent candidate for the Eastern Ward. His campaign centred on extending Wellington airport's runway, upgrading council housing, and extending free public transport for Super Gold card holders. He was not elected, receiving 239 votes. While working at the Wellington City Council he claimed to have developed chronic occupational overuse syndrome. He has been on a benefit since 1995, and lives in a council-subsidised flat in Miramar. McCready has two daughters. He is a reformed alcoholic.