Jail for ‘despicable’ offending
A prison escaper who spent 33 months on the run has been jailed for nearly two years for what the judge described as “despicable” offending.
In the Christchurch District Court, 48-year-old Neil Joseph Anderson was sentenced on 36 charges including thefts, burglaries, unlawfully taking cars, driving while disqualified, and escaping custody.
Defence counsel Allister Davis said Anderson did not have an electronically monitored bail address to offer, and accepted prison was the only option for him.
He said Anderson’s probation report said he was genuinely remorseful and he offered reparation. He had health issues and the offending occurred when he had a drug problem.
Anderson surrendered himself to the Picton police after 33 months on the run. He had escaped custody when he had been taken to the Christchurch Hospital with chest pains, and jumped out of a window with a heart monitor still on him. His hospital gown was found in Hagley Park.
Judge Raoul Neave said Anderson was being sentenced on a large array of charges dating back several years.
He said in July 2011 Anderson faced minor charges but in October 2011 he did a
“particularly despicable” bout of offending where he went to the Waikumete Cemetery in West Auckland, and prised 13 plaques from graves to sell as scrap metal causing damage worth over $19,000.
Judge Neave said it was impossible to overestimate the stress on the families, and the greed and selfishness of Anderson.
In November he was arrested on two charges of unlawful taking cars and a burglary, then in February 2012 he came to Christchurch and preyed on earthquake victims by committing burglaries, he said.
Judge Neave sentenced Anderson to 23 months prison, ordered him to pay reparation of $19,337, and disqualified him from driving for 15 months.
Category: News
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