Gang claim withdrawn in firearms burglary
Since admitting a firearms burglary at his grandparents’ farm, a 21-year-old has also admitted that he made up his claim of being under pressure from a patched gang member.
The probation officer and the Culverden policeman have commented that they are sceptical about Talor James Holmes’ withdrawal of the gang connection. Their comment that he had been “economical with the truth” was referred to at his Christchurch District Court sentencing.
Judge Brian Callaghan noted Holmes’ original comment that he had been coerced or acting under duress to assist associates to commit the burglary.
He imposed three months of community detention at a Christchurch address, 130 hours of community work, and ordered him to pay $300 reparations.
Holmes – now an expectant father – will take up plumbing work during the sentence.
He had a reputation as a good worker and defence counsel Steve Hembrow provided a reference from his employer of the last six years.
He had started mixing with a crowd that was using drugs recreationally and had “fallen under some anti-social influences”.
The police said Holmes – then a farm worker – burgled his grandparents’ farm to take three rifles after cutting the lock on their storage cabinet.
When he returned later to get the bolts for the rifles, the owner tried to block his car in the driveway with his own car.
Holmes rammed the vehicle but caused no injuries. He was arrested soon after in Culverden Road.
He admitted charges of burglary and aggravated assault – ramming the car to get away after the burglary.
Judge Callaghan said burglaries were always serious when firearms were targeted. “This burglary occurred when you were in the wrong crowd and drug use had played its part in affecting your judgment.”
Category: News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: