Harley-Davidson seized over unpaid reparation

A Nelson man jailed for theft has had his Harley-Davidson motorcycle seized after failing to pay reparation to his former employer.

Peter Emery-Jones, 51, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in Nelson District Court yesterday after earlier admitting two charges of theft from his employers amounting to $52,000, The Nelson Mail reported.

Judge Tony Zohrab also ordered him to pay $10,000 reparation to his employer before 5pm yesterday.

His lawyer told the court Emery-Jones had a "fervent desire" to pay reparation, but this was rejected by Judge Zohrab.

Judge Zohrab said Emery-Jones owned a Harley-Davidson and had transferred its ownership to another person's name in order to avoid parting with it to pay back his employer.

"It's easy to talk the talk, but in terms of walking the walk, he would prefer to ride on his Harley."

The money was not paid and so the judge issued a warrant to seize the motorcycle.

A spokeswoman for Nelson District Court collections unit said today the motorcycle had been seized.

She told NZPA Emery-Jones had seven days to front up with the money, or for a third party make a claim to it, or it would be sold.

Judge Zohrab said the balance of the stolen money, $42,000, was to be paid back at $50 a week once Emery-Jones was released from prison.

- NZPA