Possible diversion for looting accused

Alleged Christchurch earthquake looter Arie Smith. Photo / 3 News

The man who became "the face of looting" after last month's Christchurch earthquake is being considered for the diversion scheme for first offenders.

The police are considering whether Cornelius Arie Smith-Voorkamp, 25, should be granted diversion, which allows first offenders to avoid a criminal conviction if they admit the offence and make amends.

Smith-Voorkamp, who has autism, pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of equipment for burglary when he appeared in the Christchurch District Court held in the Rangiora Court House today.

He had been arrested for burgling a house in Lincoln Road, Christchurch, where he had stolen two lightbulbs and an antique light fitting from a quake-damaged home.

His foster family contacted police after he had appeared on national television as a looter - sporting a black eye.

They told them that Smith-Voorkamp had Asperger's syndrome, which in his case showed up as a compulsion to steal light fittings.

Police prosecutor Ruth Thomas said police would consider diversion before Smith-Voorkamp reappeared tomorrow.

Judge Colin Doherty told Smith-Voorkamp that it was not guaranteed he would get diversion.

- NZPA