Schools raided for electronic gear
A teenager has been jailed for three years for burglaries that targeted expensive school electronics gear.
The Christchurch District Court was told that Frank Gardiner Finch, 17, went on his burglary spree to get money for a synthetic cannabis habit.
Defence counsel Josh Lucas said that since his remand in custody for sentence, Finch had completed two alcohol and drug courses, had studied for NCEA courses, and had completed a drainlaying course.
He said Finch apologised to his victims, who included members of his own family.
Finch was appearing for sentence after admitting charges of stealing iPads and laptop computers in break-ins at the Fendalton Open Air School in October, and Gilberthorpe School, Hornby, in November.
He also admitted three other house burglaries, drive-off petrol thefts at service stations in Fendalton and Halswell, and a charge of reckless driving when he crashed a car while drifting at high speed with three associates in the vehicle at the Waimakariri River. He lost control at 150km an hour, crashed through some bollards, and into a tree. A woman passenger was admitted to hospital with a large cut to her leg, and having been knocked unconscious.
He stole a $16,000 car, received stolen property, committed trespass, and possessed tools for burglary.
None of the property taken by Finch and a co-offender was recovered.
Judge Tony Couch said Finch had caused suffering, distress, and inconvenience for the victims, and there appeared to be no prospect of him paying reparations. Twelve of the offences occurred while he was on bail.
“You are 17 years old but you have the criminal history and actions of a much older man. You behave like a child. You have a lot of growing up to do.”
He jailed Finch for a total of three years, and disqualified him from driving for two months.
Category: News
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