Judge sceptical of alleged looters' claims

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A judge says two alleged looters' claims that they had permission to help themselves are "highly unlikely".

Neil Barton Isherwood, 48, and Keriana Marie Dale, 38, denied they burgled a neighbour's property and called to the judge that they were pleading not guilty as they were led out of Christchurch District Court and into custody.

They also face assault, resisting arrest and disorderly behaviour charges relating to the same incident.

Both had previously been trespassed off the address but defence counsel Vanessa Sugrue said they had been told by another neighbour that they could help themselves to anything left in the earthquake-damaged property's garage.

Police prosecutor Bronwen Skea told the court that the owners, who had left Christchurch after storing their possessions in the garage, had not given anyone permission to go on the property.

Christchurch District Court Judge Brian Callaghan said it was a serious allegation of burglary and their story was highly unlikely.

The police were still investigating the allegations and the release of the pair would hinder them.

He remanded them in custody to appear in court again on April 7.

- NZPA