Bored teen gets community work for 'KRZ1' etching in Hastings shop window

The 17-year-old found himself etching the glass front of a shop in the Hastings CBD and later stated he'd done the damage because he was bored. Photo/File.

A bored teenager who found himself etching distinct letters into the glass front of a Hastings shop this month has been sentenced to community work.

Jordan Hemi Waiaua-Daly, 17, appeared before Judge Bridget Mackintosh in the Hastings District Court on Tuesday for sentencing on one charge of wilful damage.

The Hamilton teenager had been spending time in Hawke's Bay for the school holidays when the offending occurred.

It was about 6.50pm on January 2 when he stopped in front of the premises of clothing shop Just Jeans in the Hastings CBD and etched the letters "KRZ1" into its glass front with a sharp object.

Reparation sought to replace the four etched panes of glass totalled $2367.98 and when spoken to at a later date Waiaua-Daly told police he had done it because he was bored.

​Appearing before Judge Mackintosh on Tuesday he was asked what the etched letters meant, to which he replied "crazy one".

The judge began her sentencing by saying she was familiar with Waiaua-Daly through her dealings with him in the Youth Court, but that he was now before the District Court.

"You've had the benefit of resources from the system so it would be nice to think that perhaps you could move on in a positive way rather than coming through the revolving door of the courtroom," she said.

Defence lawyer James Rainger said his client was unemployed and available for community work.

Judge Mackintosh gave the defendant some credit for pleading guilty and sentenced him to 80 hours' community work.

She made a direction for basic work and living skills programmes and did not make a reparation order, citing there was "no prospect" of the money being paid back.

The maximum penalty for wilful damage is three months' imprisonment or a $2000 fine.