Man jailed over ring theft he blamed on his son

A Wairarapa man who stole a $3895 ring then attempted to blame his two-year-old son has been jailed for nine months.

Dwayne Michael Fricker, 27, appeared in Palmerston North District Court yesterday to receive his 33rd conviction for theft, the Manawatu Standard reported.

Fricker had entered Max Wilson Diamond Jeweller in Palmerston North in March, 2008, to have his son's medic alert bracelet fixed.

A security camera showed him grab a ring while the staff member serving him had their back turned but when spoken to by police he claimed his son had taken the ring.

Fricker was sentenced to nine months' prison and must pay $1500 reparation.

- NZPA