KEY POINTS:
A couple charged with a raft of offences relating to alleged burglaries and thefts from Christchurch rest homes were remanded in custody at their first appearance in Christchurch District Court today.
Stephen John Gibbs, 47, unemployed, and Janelle Marie Lobb, 38, whose occupation isn't listed on court documents, are each jointly charged with nine counts of burglary and cheque fraud.
Gibbs faces an additional charge of aggravated burglary and Lobb is charged also with one count of aggravated burglary, where she is alleged to have used mace as a weapon, and one of assault with intent to facilitate flight.
The charges relate to incidents at rest homes throughout Christchurch between last November and February.
After submissions from Gibbs' lawyer, Kerry Cook, Judge Noel Walsh rescinded an earlier order giving TV3 permission to film the pair in court.
Mr Cook told the court any "legitimate public interest" in the case could be satisfied by "good old-fashioned reporting" rather than through a television camera.
The case was at a "very early stage" and identification could be an issue, Mr Cook said.
A fair trial was paramount and he urged the judge to err on the side of caution.
Mr Cook asked for Gibbs to be remanded in custody by consent for a week.
For Lobb, counsel Paul Norcross said he supported Mr Cook's submissions against the use of television images in reporting the case.
He also sought a week's remand in custody for Lobb.
Judge Walsh noted that he granted TV3 permission to film in court after an application heard at 9.30am.
"I've decided to err on the side of caution," he said.
Gibbs, a tall thin man with short, greying dark hair and a moustache, and Lobb, shorter and with shoulder-length dyed black hair, stood side by side in the dock occasionally whispering to each other throughout the brief hearing.
Judge Walsh remanded them in custody until March 11 to allow counsel to take further instructions.
- NZPA
