Motorist intervened and disarmed thief, court told
A passing motorist chased a thief and snatched a 26cm knife off him, the Christchurch District Court was told today when the 32-year-old thief admitted five charges.
Daniel Michael Moynihan now faces three months in custody before sentencing on Decmber 1.
Defence counsel Paul Johnson said that in the meantime Moynihan was keen to take part in a restorative justice meeting with his victims and undergo assessment for alcohol and drug issues.
He admitted charges of drink-driving, theft of wine and meat worth $60 from a Riccarton supermarket, burglary of a motel unit, theft from a car, and aggravated assault.
Police say Moynihan went into an unlocked motel in Riccarton Road on July 2 and took a bottle of whisky, two watches, and gift vouchers worth a total of $1900.
On July 27, he went to a car parked behind a food stall in Riccarton Road and took a backpack containing the stall’s takings, a tablet computer, and wallet, with a total value of $1092.
The woman who ran the food stall disturbed him and he ran off, with her following him and screaming.
A passing motorist came to her aid as Moynihan crossed Deans Avenue and began following him, and caught up to him in Hagley Park.
He pushed Moynihan to the ground and demanded he return the property. Moynihan said he didn’t have the property, but he did have a knife. He then pulled out a 26cm knife.
The motorist grabbed the knife off him and threw it away, and Moynihan ran off, dropping the stolen backpack.
Police found him near Christchurch Hospital after members of the public saw him hiding under a bridge over the Avon River. He admitted the burglary, and taking the backpack, but denied pulling the knife. He claimed the motorist who contronted him had taken it out of his pocket.
Police are seeking reparations for the losses in the burglary.
Category: News
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