Quake thief's 'despicable offence'

Photo / NZ Herald

A 43-year-old man has gone straight to jail after admitting his part in a house burglary while the owner was attending the National Earthquake Memorial.

"This is not acceptable behaviour in this city," Judge David Saunders told Adam David Eric Tuatara.

"The court must send a clear message to people like you that you are going to lose your liberty."

Tuatara, unemployed, was taken into custody in the Christchurch District Court sitting at the Nga Hau e Wha Marae, after he appeared and pleaded guilty to the burglary charge.

Police prosecutor Bronwen Skea said a laptop computer containing a woman's business contact details was among the material taken in the burglary on March 18.

Defence counsel Tim Twoomey said Tuatara had been a passenger in a car that was driven to the property that was burgled.

He was very remorseful.

Judge Saunders said it was a despicable offence on a day when people were particularly vulnerable.

He noted that Tuatara was already on supervision when the offence occurred.

He had received a supervision sentence for a burglary conviction in 2007 and for an excess breath-alcohol offence last year.

He remanded Tuatara in custody for a probation report and sentence at the Rangiora Court House on June 14.

- NZPA