'Miserable wretch' jailed for stealing quake collection

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A "miserable wretch" who stole a collection box for victims of the Christchurch quakes has been jailed for ten weeks.

Arana Haenga, 18, pleaded guilty in New Plymouth District Court yesterday to two charges of theft, The Taranaki Daily News reported.

Haenga took a Red Cross donation box from the counter of Waitara video and lotto shop while the attendant was not looking and was caught attempting to steal groceries from a New Plymouth supermarket.

Judge Roberts Allan said Haenga had already served eight prison sentences.

"He's a miserable wretch for taking that box," he said.

- NZPA