Kaitāia man jailed for shattering glass bottle on partners head, thefts

Toko Morland was caught stealing from cars. Photo / 123rf

A drug-addicted man whose life has been described as “chaotic” has been jailed for a raft of offending including smashing a glass bottle over his former partner’s head.

Toko Morland, 35, of Kaitāia, appeared in the Whangārei District Court this week for sentencing on one charge of assault with intent to injure, two of stealing from vehicles, one of wilful damage and one of assaulting a person in a family relationship.

The court heard following lockdown in 2020, Morland’s relationship of three years with his now ex-partner had been under significant strain.

In September 2021, he and the woman were in Auckland when an argument broke out between them and Morland shattered a one-litre glass bottle against her head.

Then in August last year, he slashed her car tyres and lunged at her with a knife.

Following the two assaults, and while on bail, he stole two radar detectors from two vehicles which were worth around $1000 each.

When questioned by police he said he “didn’t know what happened, I must have been high on drugs.”

In court, Judge Gene Tomlinson said that in the “pages” he had on Morland’s criminal history, there was a lack of violent offending.

“What jumps out at me is you are stealing to feed a drug habit, you have an unstructured life, no place to live, no job and are always looking for the next score,” the judge said.

“You wake up in the morning and you have no idea where you’re going to sleep that night. Given how chaotic your life is, you live a life that you’re just going to continue to be in trouble with the court.”

When asked by the judge if he had breached his bail, Morland said “Yes”.

“The one thing that has struck me every time you have come before me is how up front with me you are, you’ve always taken responsibility when I have seen you.

“Unfortunately, your life doesn’t lend itself to home detention and any other sentence other than a jail term would require me to factor in your lifestyle.”

Morland was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with some last words from Judge Tomlinson.

“I don’t want to see you anymore and you’re life would be better if you don’t see me.”

DRUG ADDICTION

Where to get help:
• 0800 METH HELP (0800 6384 4357)
• Alcohol Drug Helpline (Phone 0800 787 797 or text 8681)
• They also have a Māori line on 0800 787 798 and a Pasifika line on 0800 787 799

FAMILY VIOLENCE

How to get help:If you’re in danger now:• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don’t stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it’s not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• https://womensrefuge.org.nz/Women’s Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• https://www.2shine.nz/Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• http://www.areyouok.org.nz/It’s Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• https://shaktiinternational.org/Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• https://www.justice.govt.nz/family/family- violence/Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• https://nnfvs.org.nz/Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• https://whiteribbon.org.nz/White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men’s violence towards women.
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