Tourist let off after 'skylarking'

A German student who got into hot water by pouring dishwashing liquid in Mt Maunganui commercial pools will leave New Zealand tomorrow without a conviction to his name.

Christoph Heckwolf, 20, pleaded guilty in Tauranga District Court yesterday to a charge of night-time burglary carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.

But when he reappeared this morning to pay $2250 - his half share of reparation - Judge Thomas Ingram said the severe effects of a conviction on the young visitor's future international travel would be out of all proportion "for what was simple skylarking".

- AGENCIES