$426,000 ‘damage spree’ in red zone admitted
Two young men have admitted breaking into residential red zone properties and causing damage worth more than $426,000.
The pair pleaded guilty to 11 burglaries, one attempted burglary, and one arson charge at the Christchurch District Court today.
Andrew Michael Hunton, a 21-year-old roofer, and Bradley Burlton, an 18-year-old builder, admitted breaking into earthquake-damaged homes in Atlantis Street, Azure Place, and Cerbera Close, and setting a fire in an Azure Place house between August 1 and 19.
Hunton also pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cannabis plant for supply, and leaving a petrol station without paying for the petrol.
The third man charged, Jordan Riley Harrison, a 19-year-old concrete worker, was remanded until tomorrow morning, and defence counsel, Mark Callaghan said he would enter pleas then.
The three men allegedly smashed windows, doors, ceramic stove tops, walls, toilets, and mirrors.
Defence counsel for Hunton, Andrew McKenzie said the men intentionally damaged the properties, and Hunton said he was taking his anger out on the houses after losing his job.
Mr McKenzie said it was a damage spree amongst three young guys who needed to grow up and act responsibly.
Defence counsel for Burlton, Tony Greig, said Burlton was in full time employment, and although the reparation amount was extremely high, it was likely it would be a lot lower at sentencing.
Judge Brian Callaghan remanded Hunton and Burlton to be sentenced on November 27, and requested a pre-sentence report with a report assessing their suitability for a home detention sentence, and a reparation report.
Category: Focus
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