Repeat petrol money scammer pleads guilty again
A repeat petrol money scammer has admitted 10 more charges of causing a loss by deception and has apologised to his victims.
Kim Michael David Barwell, a 48-year-old Riccarton labourer, told people he had left his wallet at home, or had his wallet stolen, or his new bank card was not working, and they handed over amounts between $20 to $200.
His pleas were entered at a pre-trial session in the Christchurch District Court today.
Barwell said he would send the money in the mail and got the addresses off the people who helped him.
Police prosecutor Glenn Henderson said since being arrested Barwell had written to some complainants apologising, and offering to pay them back. Some of the complainants were elderly and were now fearful that he knew where they lived, he said.
Barwell said he had paid the full reparation of $755 to the court.
Judge Raoul Neave said some of the charges may be withdrawn as the victims said they didn’t expect to get their money back, but they would still be paid the reparation.
He did not convict Barwell so that he could finish a course in prison, and remanded him in custody for sentencing on October 14.
Barwell was convicted for similar offending in January 2013 where Judge Noel Walsh said: “I unreservedly find that you are an incorrigible rogue and a liar and you have no sense of morality.”
At that time, he was given a prison sentence of 16 months on 65 charges, including some thefts, and had to pay reparation of $5080.
Category: Focus
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