Judge tells teen to clean act up

Judge Ian Mill told a 19-year-old South Wairarapa man his offending was more the result of the company he kept and his use of drugs, including legal highs.

Presiding Judge Ian Mill told a 19-year-old South Wairarapa man his offending was more the result of the company he kept and his use of drugs, including legal highs.

Masterton District Court heard, last week, how Joshua Benson, unemployed, had participated in a raft of criminal activity, which included stealing a vehicle and an outboard motor.

Benson also drove drunk and stole some metal plates.

The offending took place between November 6, last year and March 24, this year and involved two other associates.

Defence lawyer Virginia Pearson said that any reparation should be shared between the three offenders.

Ms Pearson said Benson is supported by his mother and was looking for work but the prospects in South Wairarapa were slim.

Judge Mill said he hoped Benson turned his life around and sentenced him to 100 hours' community work and nine months' supervision.

He was also ordered to pay $272 in reparations and disqualified from driving for six months.