Addict admits Masterton burglary

Jamie Allan Gray, 29, last week pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, shoplifting, cultivation and possession of cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs.

A drug addict who burgled Masterton Medical looking for drugs has appeared in the Masterton District Court.

Jamie Allan Gray, 29, last week pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, shoplifting, cultivation and possession of cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs on Cockburn St in August last year.

Defence lawyer Peter Stevens requested bail for his client from Judge Barbara Morris.

"His mother is prepared to have him living at her property, where there will be no drugs," Mr Stevens said.

Gray had also been accepted into a residential treatment programme for his drug addiction, he said.

Gray's mother, speaking to Judge Morris, said if her son was on bail, it would be a lot easier for him to receive treatment.

However, the defence and Gray were unsure exactly when the programme would start.

Police prosecutor Garry Wilson said Gray should remain in custody until he began the treatment programme.

Judge Morris said it was clear there was a drug problem and Gray was taking steps to address his addiction with the support of his family.

"You are heading along the right track," the judge said. "You accepted there is an underlying addiction. It does demonstrate to the community and the court you are accepting responsibility."

She remanded him on bail to his mother's address and ordered him to undertake the treatment programme, not consume alcohol or non-prescription drugs and undergo random drug screening.

Gray, and his mother, were visibly relieved.

He will appear in court again in March.

He faces a maximum of three months in prison and a fine of $4500.