Trapper jailed after series of vehicle crimes

A 23-year-old possum-trapper has been sentenced to six months' jail for vehicle-related offences.

Trent David Purvis appeared in the Masterton District Court yesterday and admitted unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, careless driving, theft and drink-driving.

Defence lawyer Ian Hard said Purvis was a young man with "some prospects".

"He's bought himself a number of possum traps, he's invested money in that business, he does have something to do for a living, he does want to turn himself around," Mr Hard said.

"He does have youth on his side. Hopefully, with some direction, he could do better."

Judge Ian Mill said Purvis had "quite a list" of offending: "There's a familiarity to the offending, [it] involved motor cars and stealing petrol."

Purvis had previous convictions, some of which involved breaching community-based sentences.

"[In] the last three or four years he's got a number of convictions for dishonesty."

His convictions included five for burglary offences, two for interfering with vehicles, three for thefts from cars and five for illegally getting in vehicles.

Judge Mill also disqualified Purvis from driving for eight months. After that, Purvis must apply for a zero alcohol licence, which he will hold for three years.

It was his second drink-driving charge. He was convicted and discharged on the careless-driving charge.