Community work for sheep killer

File photo / NZ Herald

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 today in the 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 the offending came down to Hanson associating with the wrong crowd who encouraged this type of behavior.

Upon sentencing, 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 the killings, which had included one 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 received three months loss of license due to the involvement of a motor vehicle.

A reparation order of $680 was also made.

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