Bay radio station head fined over theft and assault

The manager of an independent Bay radio station has been convicted of stealing a laptop computer and assault.
Brent David Gilbert, Blowhole FM's programme director who also goes by the name "Brother Massive", pleaded guilty to one charge of shoplifting and a further charge of assault when he appeared in front of Judge Christopher Harding at Tauranga District Court yesterday.
Sergeant Tony Rielly said Gilbert tried to steal a laptop computer valued at $1399.99 on December 6 last year from The Warehouse's Cameron Rd branch.
He picked up a bag that was on sale in the store and carried it to a display of laptop computers and put one in the bag.
When he eventually went through the checkout, the staff member scanned the bag's price tag, not realising the computer was inside. He paid for the bag and left the store.
But security staff had cottoned on to the theft and followed him out of the shop.
A security guard stood between Gilbert and the driver's door of his car. Gilbert shoved the security guard lightly but was prevented from leaving the car park until police arrived.
He then told them he had made a mistake and was sorry.
His lawyer, Glenn Barnett, told the court the offence was "out of character" for Gilbert.
Mr Barnett said the incident was not pre-meditated and was instead more of an impulse crime. He added the computer was not damaged and was still able to be sold.
He asked Judge Harding to consider discharging Gilbert without conviction.
But Judge Harding said that would not be appropriate. Instead, he convicted and fined Gilbert $350 for the theft and $150 for the assault.
Blowhole FM has been in the news recently after the Government sold the fledgling broadcaster's radio frequency last year.
The station was forced out of the bidding rounds as the price soared to $80,000 in the Ministry of Economic Development auction, held last October.
But Gilbert and his team of volunteer DJs drummed up public support for the station, which plays a mix of drum 'n bass, hip-hop, R&B;, house and trance music - genres not traditionally offered on mainstream stations.
A new licence was granted for the station in mid-November but the team had been waiting for the paperwork to be processed in order to get back on the air.