Masterton 'burglary ring' trio charged

Mathew Ryan Guillard, 28, and Sonny Te Maire Edwards, 24, appeared before Judge Tony Walsh in the Masterton District Court on Thursday, while co-accused, Toni Sylvia Wilton, 23, appeared on her own.

A young mother and two men, alleged to be involved in a "burglary ring", have appeared in court, with two of the group remanded in custody.

The trio were arrested by police after a chase on Judds Rd on Wednesday.

Mathew Ryan Guillard, 28, of Solway and Sonny Te Maire Edwards, 24, of Palmerston North appeared together before Judge Tony Walsh in the Masterton District Court on Thursday, while their co-accused, Toni Sylvia Wilton, 23, of Solway appeared on her own.

Guillard and Edwards are jointly charged with the burglary of Hinau Place and Ngaumutawa Rd properties on May 20. Wilton is jointly charged with them with the burglary of a Judds Rd home on May 21.

Guillard is also charged with driving while disqualified, reckless driving and failing to stop for police on Judds Rd on May 21. Wilton also faces charges of cultivating cannabis, possession of cannabis, possession of instruments for smoking cannabis, and two charges of receiving two stolen televisions valued at $2000 and $2500 respectively.

All three entered no plea to the charges they each face.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said police believed the trio were part of a "burglary ring".

A man understood to be from the Judds Rd home allegedly burgled had to be ejected from the courthouse by police after making remarks in the public area about the accused. A woman from the same property remained, waiting to see "if they will get bailed".

Guillard and Edwards were remanded in custody with a bail hearing to be held today.

Wilton, who looked down at the floor throughout most of her appearance, wiped tears from her face as she stood in the dock.

Judge Walsh stated he had concerns about the environment her 5-year-old child was living in, as police alleged they found a "sophisticated" cannabis growing operation in two rooms at her Harley St home when they searched it during her arrest.

Judge Walsh told Wilton he would be signing and sending a care and protection notification to Child, Youth and Family, raising concerns about the welfare of her child.

"You need to understand you have obligations to your child and you are not fulfilling them. You are putting his welfare at risk by doing what you are doing," he said.

Wilton was remanded on bail with strict conditions, including reporting to Masterton police daily and not to enter Judds Rd. She is due to reappear on June 12 to enter pleas to the charges.