Shannon Barry Stoddart, 35, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after admitting charges of burglary, unlawfully taking a vehicle, obtaining by deception, driving while suspended and unlawfully converting a vehicle.
Judge Jane Farish asked the defendant if he was aware how much he had paid in fines — mostly for driving unwarranted, unregistered vehicles — during his life.
‘‘Too much,’’ Stoddart said.
The total was $40,462.
‘‘It’s just madness, isn’t it?’’ the judge said.
‘‘That would be a deposit on a house if you were thinking logically.’’
Given his background, Stoddart would no longer be given credit by the court for his age, remorse or prospects of rehabilitation, Judge Farish said.
‘‘You’re at an age now and a point in your criminal career where judges are not going to be kind to you any longer,’’ she said.
In October 2024, Stoddart’s mother and the man with whom she lived returned from a 12-day cruise to find more than $30,000 of their property, along with their car, was gone.
Court documents said an ‘‘unknown offender’’ burgled the home during the early part of their getaway, making off with jewellery, clothes, electronics and other household items.
Just days later, shortly before the victims returned, Stoddart and an associate were caught on CCTV loading a safe into the back of the victim’s vehicle, as well as $7300 of meat, alcohol, tools and camping equipment.
The defendant and his mate went back to the address several times over the ensuing hours and Stoddart was caught returning the safe, but stealing a security camera.
While much of the stolen haul was recovered, the car was not, the court heard.
Judge Farish said the crime represented a significant breach of trust and had caused ‘‘immense harm’’ to the victims.
‘‘It’s very poor to steal from your own parent, particularly in circumstances where they’re out of the country,’’ she said.
Stoddart’s five-month crime spree began in May 2024 when he transferred $350 from an associate’s account to his own.
When the man discovered the missing cash, he messaged the defendant who told him he had ‘‘messed up’’ and would repay the sum that afternoon.
It never happened.
Stoddart continued to fleece people he knew, in July targeting a family friend.
The court heard he was given the woman’s 1998 Mazda Familia on the basis he would fix the clutch.
After a couple of weeks, the defendant informed her the car was not fixed, ignoring other messages requesting updates.
The following month, he finally responded to the victim, offering her $800 for the vehicle.
Stoddart was told it was worth $2500 and the victim inquired about her belongings — to no avail.
The defendant cut off contact.
Although Stoddart was caught driving while suspended soon after, it was the October burglary the judge said was the most serious crime.
He was on the cusp of a spell behind bars, but the judge said the ‘‘saving grace’’ was his compliance with a long period of restrictive bail.
Stoddart was sentenced to six months’ home detention and ordered to pay reparation of $5000.
Judge Farish had some parting advice.
‘‘I’d like to see you getting a job, getting out of the house, doing something productive with your life rather than sitting around not doing anything and getting up to mischief.’’
