September 16, 2011

Young men behaving badly begin jail terms

By Anne Clarkson at Rangiora Court House

Three men in their 20s were sent to prison yesterday, with two of them trying to talk to the judge as they were led out of the Christchurch District Court sentencing session at the Rangiora Court House.

One was being sentenced for his fifth drink-driving conviction, one for burglary, and the other for burglary, assault, and possession of a weapon.

Darroch David Campbell, 28, was told that he was only thinking of himself and not who else he might harm while drink-driving, and Judge Alistair Garland did not think he was remorseful.

Campbell had already done a rehabilitation programme after a previous conviction, and Judge Garland said he had not made use of the tools and skills that he had learnt.

He had already spent five weeks in prison and was sentenced to nine months, and disqualified from driving indefinitely. As he was leaving court he asked the judge, ?Don?t you think I have learned my lesson ? I have a young baby now?.

Johnny Holman, 24, was on parole when he went to the Highfield Golf Course in Timaru, smashed windows and entered the building. He tried to break into the green fees money box, but fled because of the alarm.

Judge Garland said the club was heavily dependent on green fees, and voluntary work. He said the impact would have been significant, upsetting, and inconvenient.

He sentenced Holman to 15 months prison, with a reparation payment of $149.

As he was leaving court Holman said he would not be paying the reparation as well as going to prison, he would just do more time.

In February 22-year-old Richard Scott Murch went to the TS Steadfast Naval School in Cass Bay and used a hammer to remove cladding to take the lead flashings.

Then in July he waved a knife at a neighbour after being asked to stop banging on their fence.

Judge Garland said there was considerable concern that young men were carrying and possessing knives, and there was a strong need for deterrence.

He was sentenced to 11 months in prison.

All three men had previous convictions .