Rewa Benjermin Herini Kingi, 55, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after earlier pleading guilty to a raft of low-level crimes.
The court heard that on November 24, the defendant went to the police station with a knife and slashed ‘‘a substantial hole’’ in the tyres of two police vehicles, causing more than $1000 of damage.
He had also racked up shoplifting charges for stealing alcohol from supermarkets, the court heard.
Counsel Philip Ross said Kingi was a ‘‘significant alcoholic’’ and drinking was the ‘‘common theme’’ across all of his offending.
The defendant was engaged with addiction services and aiming to undertake rehabilitation, the lawyer said.
Judge David Robinson was concerned Kingi was reported as having a ‘‘nonchalant attitude’’.
‘‘You will drink yourself to a very early grave.’’
He sentenced Kingi to four months two weeks’ imprisonment, but due to his time in custody on remand he will be released immediately.
The judge said now was a good time for the defendant to follow through with the positive sentiments he had expressed.
‘‘You’re leaving prison today sober. Deal with the demons.’’
In May last year, Kingi was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment for a spree of offending, which included stealing five auto window stickers, worth $65, from Supercheap Auto before walking a matter of metres down Cumberland St to Total Food Equipment, taking a 21cm filleting knife worth $229 and leaving without paying.
Several police cars descended on the scene after reports of the knife-wielding defendant filtered through, and Kingi was quickly arrested.
