Underwear thief who raided student flats loses bid to stay out of jail

A man has failed in his bid to stay out of prison after he nicked hundreds of pairs of men’s underwear from student flats in Dunedin.

A man has lost his appeal to stay out of prison after he nicked hundreds of pairs of men’s underwear from student flats in Dunedin.

Warren Gray, 62, was sentenced to a total term of 20 months’ imprisonment after admitting to two burglary charges and one charge of possessing objectionable material, according to a High Court ruling released last week.

Gray argued the sentence was “manifestly excessive” and should have been replaced with home detention.

Justice Preston rejected that appeal.

Between June and August last year, students in North Dunedin flats noticed clothing going missing from their laundry.

Students in one flat installed CCTV and captured Gray entering their laundry room at 6.20am, on August 6.

He was seen taking clothing from the washing machine and dryer.

On the evening of September 28, Gray entered the shared yard of two other flats in the area.

One occupant, who had experienced thefts, heard a noise in the backyard and went to investigate.

The person confronted Gray and proceeded to record their interaction.

Gray claimed he was looking for his girlfriend and left, according to the court.

The police executed a search on Gray’s home on on November 19.

They found clothing belonging to the victims, including hundreds of pairs of men’s underwear.

Gray’s cellphone was also seized and searched. Objectionable material was found, including three videos depicting bestiality.

When questioned about the material, Gray told police, “Well it depends on who’s looking at it”.

The details of the videos are described in the District Court sentencing notes, which the High Court adopted.

Offending committed while students were asleep

Victim impact statements before the court described a loss of safety in their homes, trouble sleeping, and frustration at the loss of their clothes.

Victims also reported discomfort and disturbance on realising the burglaries happened while they were asleep.

Between June and August last year, students in North Dunedin flats noticed their clothing was going missing from their laundry. Photo / 123RF

Gray’s appeal was dismissed because of the seriousness of the offences and his continued denial, the High Court decision said.

Gray has a criminal history including 30 convictions between 1981 and 2017, mostly for theft and other dishonesty offences.

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