Police have 'whip round' for shoplifter

Masterton District Court heard a detective who arrested a man for stealing porterhouse steak was so concerned, he did a "whip round and bought him some food". FILE PHOTO

Masterton police did a "whip round" to buy food for a hungry shoplifter, a police prosecutor has told Masterton District Court.

Speaking at the court appearance of Kupa Waka Henare last week, Sergeant Tom Andrews said the detective who arrested Henare on September 23 for stealing two packs of porterhouse steak was so concerned, he did a "whip round and bought him some food".

"Our view is that he needs some assistance with life skills and budgeting."

The 26-year-old Masterton man also pleaded guilty to twice stealing boxes of bourbon and cola from Thirsty Liquor on Te Ore Ore Rd in August.

Judge Chris Tuohy said Henare needed to try to get into "some other different way of life other than shoplifting".

Addressing the judge directly from the dock, Henare said stealing the bourbon and cola had been the result of peer pressure but he stole the meat because he had no food.

"I'm trying to break that cycle but there's no one to help," Henare said. He said he liked probation staff, as they tried to help him. He was remanded him until November 26.