Charity money was gambled away
A man who stole charity boxes from two premises in December spent the money on his gambling addiction, the Christchurch District Court was told.
Brent John Davie, 42, stole one charity box from a business in Victoria Street on December 22, and another two charity boxes from Meshino Café in Rutland Street on Christmas Day.
The owners of Meshino Café left a message on the boarded up front door after the burglary of the donation boxes for the Blind Foundation and the City Mission. Part of it said, “Shame on you for stealing from those in need”, and “The police have your picture”.
Davie was recognised by a security consultant from security camera images of the burglary posted online.
Defence counsel Colin Eason said the damage Davie caused in entering both premises was worth much more than the amount in the boxes.
He said Davie had drug and alcohol issues as well as his gambling addiction.
The police said Davie had 117 previous convictions, 81 for dishonesty, and the rest for breaching court related sentences.
Both the burglaries occurred while Davie was on bail, he said.
Judge David Saunders said he was sentencing Davie on two charges of burglary, three of shoplifting, and four breaches of court orders.
He said Davie had a shocking prior history, and for the protection of the public he was not allowing him leave to apply for a home detention sentence, even if he was able to arrange to serve it at Odyssey House rehabilitation centre.
Judge Saunders sentenced him to 18 months prison, with post-release conditions for six months including assessment for appropriate alcohol and drug rehabilitation programmes.
Category: News
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