Bail for accused looter with autism

Alleged Christchurch earthquake looter Cornelius Arie Smith-Voorkamp (Arie Smith). Photo / Supplied

Police have relented and allowed bail for a young man with autism who became "the face of looting" in the days after the February 22 quake.

Cornelius Arie Smith-Voorkamp, 25, was filmed at an appearance in a makeshift court session in the watch house below the Christchurch Central Police Station on February 26.

He had been arrested for burgling a house in Lincoln Road, Christchurch, and he was also charged with having two screwdrivers and a jemmy bar for breaking into buildings.

At the time, neither the police nor duty solicitor realised that he had autism and his image went out on national television as a looter. He appeared in the film with a black eye.

Since then his foster family has contacted police and told them that he has Asperger's syndrome. In his case it shows up as a compulsion to steal light fittings.

Police alleged he stole two lightbulbs and an antique light fitting from a quake-damaged home.

The family approached the media in the days after the court appearance to tell of his medical condition and his sister Shannen Davis said it was unfair that he had become "the face of looting".

At his first appearance on February 26, Christchurch District Court Judge Michael Crosbie remanded him in custody to March 28 - one of a series of remands in the days straight after the earthquake that sent a strong message to looters and other law-breakers that they could expect immediate jail time while the city was at risk.

But Smith-Voorkamp's case was called again in Rangiora Court House today, before Judge Jane Farish. Christchurch cases are now being dealt with at the town 25km from the city because the central city court house remains off-limits inside the cordon.

Police said they had reviewed the case and were not opposed to bail.

Smith-Voorkamp was assessed as a very low risk of reoffending. There was medical information before Judge Farish confirming his condition, and he was receiving very good caregiver support, the court was told.

Judge Farish again remanded him to March 28, but she granted bail and ordered that he not associate with an accused co-offender.

Defence counsel had said Smith-Voorkamp would abide by a 24-hour curfew while living with his mother.

- NZPA