KEY POINTS:
A Waikato farmer who fired warning blasts from a shotgun, forcing petrol thieves to give themselves up, is remaining silent about possible charges he now faces.
The farmer, Lloyd Bonnar, has waited more than six weeks to hear whether police will charge him with firearms-related offences.
On August
13, Mr Bonnar challenged Johnathon Lawrence Johnson, 21, and Bobby John Saunders, 26, who, under the cover of darkness, had attempted to steal petrol stored near his farm's milking shed.
Johnson and Saunders tried to drive off, but were blocked by a vehicle parked across the driveway's exit.
The warning shots followed.
The offenders were told to get out the vehicle and lie on the ground. Their thumbs were bound with cable ties and police were called.
Yesterday in the Hamilton District Court, Johnson and Saunders pleaded guilty to separate charges of theft and unlawfully being on private property.
It was revealed the pair had a significant history of dishonesty offences, including burglary and theft.
"They are making a life of crime," police prosecutor Bill Cronin said.
Because they had a number of outstanding fines, their lawyer, Maria Young, asked magistrate Pat Oettli to consider a community-based sentence.
Ms Young said the pair had learned a "very scary lesson".
Referring to Mr Bonnar's actions, she said: "Perhaps although not lawful, you can understand the victim's position."
Both Johnson and Saunders were convicted and ordered to perform 40 hours of community work.
Contacted while on holiday yesterday, Mr Bonnar was interested to hear the sentences handed down, but would not make any comment when questioned about how he felt police were handling his case.
Initially police said a decision on whether to charge the farmer was dependent on evidence from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, which needed to be considered alongside witness comments.
Detective Sergeant Greg Nicholls of Hamilton CIB said the issue was sensitive and police wanted to make the right decision.
A decision had been expected towards the end of August, but Waikato police spokesman Andrew McAlley has postponed the announcement every week since that time.
Yesterday, Mr McAlley issued another statement: "The case file has been referred down to Wellington for referral/legal consultation.
"Once it has been returned and a decision made, media will be advised by Waikato police. It is not anticipated the file will be returning this week."
Mr McAlley said a farmer in Northland - who once faced similar charges - had waited more than two years before his case was finally resolved.
In October 2002, that farmer, Paul McIntyre, shot Sam Hati, one of three thieves he caught stealing his quadbike on his isolated Whangape farm in the Bay of Islands.
After a 2 1/2-year legal battle, Mr McIntyre was cleared in April 2005 of any wrongdoing.
Mr Hati died on August 26 this year.
