Confusion arose in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday when a man pleaded guilty to stealing a dalmatian dog but later told the judge the dog was a gift.
Barry Grey, 57, refused legal representation and insisted on pleading guilty to theft "to get it over and done with".
Judge Allan Roberts then referred to the police summary of facts and said on June 8 at around 12.35pm Grey stole the dalmatian from a Whanganui resident's front veranda.
"It was obviously a targeted theft, you went there to take the dog," the judge told Grey.
Grey responded to the judge in protest: "No you're wrong, the dog was given to me by the owner...the owner helped me put the dog in the car."
But when Judge Roberts asked Grey if he wished to change his plea he said no and repeated he just wanted to get it dealt with.
Judge Roberts said a victim impact statement said: "I cannot believe that Barry stole the dog off my veranda."
The matter was stood down while Grey spoke to a lawyer.
Grey later returned with defence lawyer Stephanie Burlace who said the dog owner was a family member who had bipolar and perhaps couldn't remember giving the dog to Grey.
"The dog has unfortunately passed away after being kicked by a horse," Ms Burlace said.
Judge Roberts said he understood Grey had some issues with the scenario and Ms Burlace was able to highlight those.
Grey was sentenced to 160 hours of community work.
"In the circumstance there will be no order for reparation," Judge Roberts said.