Rustler who killed steer jailed for raft of offences

A rustler has been jailed for two years for a string of offences, including stealing his neighbour's steer and killing the animal.

Rangi O'Leary, 40, appeared for sentencing in Whangarei District Court last week after earlier pleading guilty to theft of an animal, threatening to kill, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, failing to remain stopped, driving dangerously, assault on police, and resisting arrest.

A police summary of facts stated O'Leary was charged with driving while disqualified in September 2010 as well as in July 2011. In September 2013, he was disqualified from driving indefinitely.

On the afternoon of January 8, he stopped after being signalled by officers in a police patrol vehicle on Mangakahia Rd but drove off at speed before police could do checks on him. He continued driving towards Maungatapere, reaching speeds in excess of 160km/h. It was raining and the road was wet.

O'Leary's vehicle spun out of control while trying to turn on to Tatton Rd but he regained control and continued to drive at slow speed before being stopped. He got out and tried to flee but an officer caught up with him.

O'Leary turned and swung his fists at the officer, who had to duck to avoid being hit. A struggle ensued but he was detained with the help of two other officers. He said he only drove across the road from a marae.

On the charge of theft of an animal a day before he was caught driving, O'Leary went into a paddock owned by his family trust on Mangakahia Rd where his mother allowed her neighbour to graze his 18-month-old steer. O'Leary moved the animal to another paddock, killed it and butchered it for meat. He left the offal and carcass in the paddock.

Judge Keith de Ridder sentenced him to cumulative terms of six months in jail on the theft charge, another six months for threatening to kill, and 12 months on the driving charges. He was disqualified from obtaining or holding a driver's licence for two years.