The luxury house in Fernhill, Queenstown that became a party house. Photo / Supplied
A 20-year-old man broke into a $2 million luxury home in Queenstown and hosted an impromptu, seven-day alcohol-fuelled party for his friends.
The actions of Finlay George were "just dreadful", Judge Richard Russell said in the Queenstown District Court yesterday.
Prosecutor Sergeant Ian Collin said the Fernhill residence was managed
by George's mother, who flew to Australia for a 12-day holiday on November 17.
The next day, George sent text messages to friends and broke into the house through a window, hosting a "constant party" for the next seven nights.
"The owners reported an Xbox and a plasma TV were stolen and all the beds were slept in. A number of floor carpets were stained, taps were broken and the front door was kicked apart," he said.
Mr Collin reported at least nine bottles of spirits, nine bottles of wine and a substantial amount of beer were consumed.
Early assessments predict the damages would cost between $30,000 and $70,000.
On the seventh night of partying, concerned neighbours contacted George's mother who, in turn, contacted the property owners and police were called.
Lawyer Phena Byrne said after George sent the texts, the situation "quickly spiralled out of control" and strangers from as far as Wanaka showed up.
She said George had no knowledge of the burglaries and asked Judge Russell to consider the large numbers of people involved.
George was remanded in custody last Monday, after being arrested at Queenstown Airport on Saturday, January 15, attempting to flee to his father's Australian house on a one-way ticket.
Judge Russell said George faced a maximum 10 years' imprisonment.
"Mr George, this is just a dreadful piece of offending, and it seems you were the instigator - I am concerned about the magnitude of the damage and I'm concerned about the attempted flight from New Zealand," he said.
George pleaded guilty to a charge of entering a building without authority and with intent to commit a crime.
He was remanded in custody for sentencing until a full assessment of rental loss on the property and damage costs was complete.
