Adam Charlett (27) appeared in the Dunedin District Court this week after admitting charges of burglary, assault and breaching release conditions.
He was jailed for 13 months, primarily because there were no alternatives.
"He’s burned a number of bridges with various support services. It’s become quite difficult to find him places to live or electronically-monitored options," counsel Sophia Thorburn said.
Charlett had been in prison since his arrest in December last year.
He was wandering around Dunedin on December 9 when a security guard was patrolling the Bus Hub area.
Outside Dunedin Community House, in Moray Pl, Charlett approached the man from behind and shoved his head into the concrete doorway.
The victim suffered a swollen eye and a sore head, according to court documents.
Six days later, he was in Castle St and walked down the driveway at the central fire station.
He grabbed a couple of cardboard boxes and took them down the road where he opened them.
The defendant pulled out a pair of pants and a flash hood (a protective garment which covers a firefighter’s head and neck).
Charlett immediately changed into the new items, leaving behind two pairs of his own trousers.
Rather than keep a low profile, he sat in the middle of Castle St, briefly blocking a turning lane.
Police found the defendant shortly afterwards, wearing the distinctive outfit.
When interviewed, Charlett said he was "stoked [he] had found durable clothing and it was the best day of [his] life".
He admitted to urinating in the pants.
Judge Michael Turner noted the offences had come just months after the defendant had been released from prison following a previous burglary.
Charlett had "numerous" similar convictions — but none for violence.
Ms Thorburn said her client’s mental-health issues had been exacerbated by substance abuse, which had been a long-standing problem.
However, since Charlett had been behind bars, taking his prescribed medication, there had been a "noticeable positive change".
