Whanganui man convicted for stealing cellphone from library

Whanganui District Library. Photo/ file

"Finders keepers is not how it works."

That was the message Judge Dugald Matheson gave a man who stole a cellphone from a vicitim at the Whanganui District Library.

Michael Ross Bryers pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Rachel Willemsen said the offending took place on April 18 when Bryers spotted the phone at the computer desk in the library.

"When the victim realised her phone was missing she notified police."

Sergeant Willemsen said the phone was valued at $895.51.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Burlace said Bryers had entered an early guilty plea, he has some history but his last conviction was eight years ago.

Judge Matheson convicted Bryers and ordered him to pay $895.51 reparation to the victim.

"I'm aware of your history and I think the best way to resolve this is for you to pay reparation to the victim".