Jail time reinforces hardline stance

File Photo / Greg Bowker

Stealing scrap metal and an electric motor from a demolished building led to 21 days in jail for a 22-year-old man sentenced in Christchurch District Court at Rangiora today.

Judge David Holderness told Andrew Alistair Henderson, that there had been widespread publicity about the stance the court was taking toward people who preyed on earthquake victims, and offending would be dealt with seriously.

Henderson told police that he took the scrap metal to make money and was going to use the electric motor for a project at his home.

Judge Holderness said the building Henderson entered in Woodham Road on March 21 had been red-stickered after the earthquake, but Henderson went through the building and placed the items in his car.

He left when he was challenged by a neighbour and when police caught up with him that evening he had three tinfoil wrappers of cannabis in his pocket.

Judge Holderness sentenced him to 21 days in prison for the theft charge and a concurrent sentence of seven days for possession of cannabis.

- NZPA