Looter seen as 'continuing risk'

Damaged shops in Manchester Street are seen in Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images

A man who admitted raiding an earthquake-damaged supermarket in the Christchurch suburb of Wainoni has been remanded in custody for sentence.

Christchurch District Court Judge Gary MacAskill said the burglary was committed even after warnings from judges about a tough response to looting following the quake on February 22.

Police said 43-year-old Martin Paul Tait, from Waltham, and another man took $200 worth of groceries and alcohol from the supermarket.

They were caught before they could take more property.

Tait today pleaded guilty at a district court sitting inside the Christchurch Men's Prison.

Judge MacAskill said Tait had an extensive record of offending and posed a continuing risk. He remanded him in custody for sentence on April 27 and ordered a pre-sentence report to cover his suitability for home detention. The sentencing may take place at the Rangiora Court House.

Tait's co-offender is scheduled to make a remand appearance next week.

- NZPA