Parolee Ethon Baker-Cleveland back in jail for Christchurch burglary, prison officer attack

Ethon Baker-Cleveland was on prison release conditions and wearing a GPS tracker when he burgled a house with his associates. Photo / 123RF

A woman has suffered immense distress after a man on parole for aggravated robbery broke into her house with associates as she lay sick in bed.

Ethon Baker-Cleveland was on prison release conditions and wearing a GPS tracker when he and his co-offenders broke into her Christchurch home in July last year.

The woman was sick in bed when, about 12.30pm, the group made its way in and began rummaging through her house.

They stole two cars, a computer, a wallet and an electric bike.

In Christchurch District Court this week, Judge Stephen O’Driscoll said the burglary had caused the victim significant stress, which would have a long-lasting impact on her.

It was not mentioned at the hearing whether the group realised she was home at the time, or what she did while they were there.

However, the court heard she did not know Baker-Cleveland, 24, and witnessed the group’s actions.

Baker-Cleveland has now been jailed for his role in the burglary and the assault of a prison officer while in custody awaiting sentencing.

When determining Baker-Cleveland’s sentence of three years and 11 months’ imprisonment, Judge O’Driscoll said Baker-Cleveland was considered a very high risk of reoffending and harming others.

He had offended shortly after being released from jail, the judge said.

“It is clear the GPS monitoring did not deter you from further offending.

“It seems you have little or no remorse.”

The judge said Baker-Cleveland had a history of convictions, including aggravated robbery and assault.

Baker-Cleveland was seen in a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser only three days before the burglary.

Again, his GPS tracker showed him at the scene of the crime, while CCTV footage provided further evidence.

One of his associates was identified as the driver.

The following month, Baker-Cleveland attacked a prison officer while in Christchurch Men’s Prison.

The Corrections officer was assisting other staffers during lock-up when Baker-Cleveland punched him in the head and face.

The first punch connected with the officer’s right eye, and the second struck his face in what was described as a “coward punch”.

The attack was stopped by other staff who placed Baker-Cleveland in restraints.

The officer suffered bruising and swelling to the eye.

Judge O’Driscoll said he had read reports which indicated violence was common in Baker-Cleveland’s upbringing.

In addition to his prison sentence, Baker-Cleveland was ordered to pay the burglary victim $1000 reparation.

Al Williams is an Open Justice reporter for the New Zealand Herald, based in Christchurch. He has worked in daily and community titles in New Zealand and overseas for the last 16 years. Most recently he was editor of the Hauraki-Coromandel Post, based in Whangamatā. He was previously deputy editor of the Cook Islands News.