Taking money and cigarettes from a parked car has caused a Whanganui man to miss his son's second birthday.
Judge Philip Crayton sentenced Terence Katu to a a six week custodial sentence after he plead guilty to a charge of theft under $500 in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday.
Katu was discovered near the parked vehicle in February and he admitted taking a wallet containing cash, loose change and cigarettes from inside.
Lawyer Debbie Goodlet said Katu has been trying to move forward and improve his lifestyle since the offending.
"He doesn't want to be in the system and he is trying to be a good father and develop self awareness," said Ms Goodlet.