KEY POINTS:
A 16-year-old boy who robbed a dairy at knifepoint has dodged a prison term and been given a second chance by police.
The boy, high on P and having learned his family had no money for presents, claimed he robbed the Hastings dairy so he could give gifts on Christmas day.
But his quest for a happy family Christmas was halted by police who found him in a nearby park, clutching cash, cigarettes and a kitchen knife. He was arrested and spent the holidays in custody.
The boy, now 17, admitted a charge of aggravated robbery and appeared in Hastings Youth Court for sentencing.
Armed with a knife he robbed the Windsor Park Dairy on December 22, demanding cash and cigarettes from the owner. Her two children, aged 10 and 6, were in the back room.
Youth Advocate Don Kennedy said the robbery was out of character and shocked his family.
His mother blamed herself for telling him there would not be any Christmas presents because there was no money.
Mr Kennedy said the boy, who cannot be named, was addicted to P, which gave him the courage to commit the "stupid" crime.
The boy was intent on turning his life around, and a Family Group Conference (FGC) recommended he complete 150 hours' community work.
While that might sound like a "slap with a wet bus ticket", imprisonment would send him in the wrong direction, Mr Kennedy said.
Senior Constable Ross Stewart said police were "taking a punt" on the boy, who "always impressed police with his manner".
He had already completed about 150 hours of voluntary community work.
Judge Bridget Mackintosh said the boy was lucky people had faith in him, and sentenced him to 150 hours' community work.
Dairy owner Mita Askder said she was still shaken by the robbery. "Four or five times we have been robbed. We are a small business, and I'm fed-up."
Don't even think about P, teen says
The teenager given another chance has a simple message: Stay away from P.
Before the robbery, his mates gave him P but he has not used any since.
His advice is: "Don't even think about P, it gets pretty bad."
Yesterday, the teen said he was sorry for the robbery and had been back to the dairy to make right.
"I am sorry for what I did. I've volunteered to go down and help clean up - take the tags off - but they said it was all good but I think I owe it to them."
Counselling was helping him realise he had choices and he did not want a life on drugs.
Christmas Day in custody was the "same as any old day in the cells - I hope I don't ever see them again".
He hoped to learn a trade and was keen to complete his community work.
"I've learnt there are other ways to get money than stealing. I'm trying to get back on the straight track and want a career."
He was grateful for the support and belief in him by police, his lawyer and the Youth to Men programme.
"It's good there are still people out there that care, even after what I did. They were a big help, a big part in supporting me. If it wasn't for them I would probably be in prison now."
His brother said he had seen "awesome changes" in the teenager.
"His attitude to life has changed and the amount of support showed him that people really care about him," he said.
"Now he wants to prove to them he is the person they are willing to help. He's really grateful. I know he's really sorry for the victims."
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
