An 18-year-old thief might have set a reparation record after being ordered to repay $1.25 for stolen nectarines.
John Owen Casford appeared before Judge Greg Davis in the Kaitaia District Court last week and admitted shoplifting from a New Plymouth supermarket. He was convicted and discharged, and ordered to pay $1.25 reparation.
The defendant's father responded to a request from Judge Davis to show him the money by flashing a $20 note from the public gallery.
The court heard that Casford had been seen eating nectarines inside the supermarket. He told police he was hungry and had no way of paying for them.
Counsel Jayne Francis told the court her client had been living on the streets in Gisborne but was now living locally, and had a job to go to.
