Judge jails burglar who broke into three homes

A 24-year-old man is to serve jail time for his part in a burglary ring and other charges, including smashing the mirror of his ex-partner's car.

Sonny Te Maire Edwards was convicted and sentenced to one year and three months in prison on three counts of burglary and one each of wilful damage, dishonestly using a Visa card, driving while disqualified, breaching community work and breach of release conditions, when he appeared in Masterton District Court.

Edwards and Matthew Ryan Guillard, 28, broke into three Masterton homes then led police on a high-speed chase after one home owner caught them in the act.

Police also alleged a female accomplice kept watch while the pair burgled one of the houses, and she was facing a charge of receiving stolen items, including two TV sets.

Police also charged Edwards with wilful damage after he aggressively approached his ex-partner who was holding their 2-year-old child.

After shouting a "tirade of abuse" at her, he picked up a tennis racquet and smashed the wing mirror off her car.

Edwards also faced a charge of driving while disqualified.

When stopped by police he told them "he thought he had his licence back".

Edwards pleaded guilty to all charges on Friday.

Judge Arthur Tompkins sentenced him to nine months' imprisonment for the burglary charges and six months' for the remaining charges.

Guillard was sentenced to nine months' prison on Thursday.