Community work for 'despicable' thefts

A sticky-fingered cleaner who stole from a police station honesty box has been labelled “despicable” by a judge.

Colin James Jury (53) appeared in the Dunedin District Court this afternoon facing three charges of theft between July and September last year.

One of the charges related to cash he stole from the police cafeteria's honesty box, one referred to a banana he pilfered and another to a can of drink.

“You dipped your fingers in time and time and time again,” Judge Kevin Phillips told him.

“It really is quite despicable, nasty thieving.”

Prosecutor Sergeant Chris George said it was difficult for police to work out how much money was stolen because of the honesty-box system.

“Was some of your money in there?” the judge asked.

“Yep,” Sgt George replied.

Defence counsel Chris Lynch said it was Jury's first time before the court.

“He described it as unfortunate, foolish and opportunistic,” she said.

Jury had lost his job because of the thefts, the court heard, and he was now on a benefit.

Ms Lynch told the judge the man was suffering financial hardship at the time, which had driven the offending.

Jury suffered from type 2 diabetes, the court heard, which affected his feet and eyesight. But Probation confirmed that he was still suitable for community work.

Judge Phillips called the thefts “a major breach of trust”.

“You were trusted to be honest by your employer and the man running the cafeterias and you let them all down."

He sentenced Jury to 70 hours' community work and ordered him to pay $100 reparation.

“You leave your good character in the dock when you depart,” Judge Phillips told him.

 

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