Minister gives thief a second chance

Man's hand using the ATM WAG 26Jan15 - UNAUTHORISED WITHDRAWAL: Carl John Hepi, 24, stole money from a man who helped him when he was sent to buy fish and chips with the man's Eftpos card. PHOTO

A 24-year-old Masterton man who stole more than $800 from a man who was helping support him is lucky the victim is a "forgiving and compassionate man", a judge says.

Carl John Hepi, who had been working with the victim, had been sent to buy fish and chips but instead withdrew $869 from the church minister's bank account, buying food and alcohol for himself and his mates.

Appearing before Judge Tuohy in Masterton District Court earlier this week, Hepi pleaded guilty to a charge of theft.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Nick Newbery said on October 5 about 12.30pm Hepi was at the victim's church doing odd jobs after spending the previous night out drinking heavily.

The victim gave Hepi his Eftpos card to go and buy takeaways but realised a short time later he had made a mistake by giving him the card and pin number and went to look for Hepi, Mr Newbery said.

He found Hepi with friends after he'd used the card to wrongfully withdraw the money.

When arrested he told police he decided to check the balance, withdrawing the money to buy food and alcohol for himself and his associates.

Lawyer James Elliott said his client was extremely remorseful and deeply regretted stealing money from the man who had been supporting him since his youth.

"This was an opportunistic act committed under the influence of alcohol ... there is an ongoing relationship ... he will be doing odd jobs, like lawn mowing for the complainant," he said. "He does sincerely regret his actions."

Judge Tuohy said it was amazing the victim was standing by Hepi.

"You are fortunate the man you stole from is a forgiving and compassionate person," he said. "I think you will turn a corner with the right support."

He sentenced Hepi to nine months' supervision and ordered he pay reparation at $20 per week. He also suspended sentence for nine months.