Crime spree accused to face trial

A man is to face a trial on allegations of a $10,000 crime spree involving 54 offences across the South Island.

Marek Krzysztok Wrobel, 43, of no fixed abode, will stay in custody while he awaits a pre-depositions conference on March 16.

His defence council Gerard Lynch made no application for bail when Wrobel made another appearance in Christchurch District Court today, before Judge Michael Crosbie.

Wrobel has been in custody since his arrest a month ago. He appeared in the dock today wearing a strip of sticking plaster across the bridge of his nose.

Mr Lynch entered not guilty pleas to all charges on his behalf.

Wrobel faces 14 charges of unlawfully entering cars, and 40 charges of thefts from cars in Kaikoura, Motueka, Akaroa, and Christchurch.

The charges allege he stole $5038 in cash and more than $5000 worth of belongings.

- NZPA