Community service for sheep slaughter

Jordan Hanson, 17, earlier admitted in Palmerston North District Court to stealing and killing 16 in-lamb ewes from two Eketahuna properties.

A young Pahiatua man has been sentenced to 200 hours community work for his part in the slaughter of 16 sheep.

Jordan Hanson, 17, appeared yesterday in Palmerston North District Court.

He earlier admitted stealing and killing 16 in-lamb ewes from two Eketahuna properties.

Hanson's lawyer, Richard Bedford, said his client was remorseful and had admitted guilt at an early stage. He was being supported by his father in court who had recently moved back to the area.

Mr Bedford claimed Hanson now had part-time work in shearing sheds throughout the Wairarapa and this was a positive factor in reducing his chance of reoffending.

He said Hanson had been associating with the wrong crowd who encouraged his offending.

Judge Ross said it needed to be made clear this type of offending was distasteful, especially in a rural community, and needed to be deterred.

He said there was no excuse for killing the animals, which had included a pet lamb.

A pre-sentencing report stated Hanson was driven by the company of others but had accepted the "wrongness" of the crime.

He also faced one charge of possession of cannabis and received nine months supervision.

He was ordered to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment and adhere to any consequences pending its outcome.

Hanson was also convicted for the theft of one goat and was disqualified from driving for three months because a motor vehicle was involved in the offending.

He was ordered to pay $680 in reparations.

His co-offenders are making their way through the court system.