A 15-year-old who stole a car is mortified to find his mother has to pay his reparation bill.
When the youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Tony Walsh in the Masterton Youth Court on Thursday, he admitted through his advocate, Louise Elder, stealing a car, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
He denied a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
When Masterton Youth Aid officer Senior Constable Mark Brown said the teenager's mother had agreed to pay reparation to the owner of the stolen car, the boy interjected, saying: "My mother isn't going to pay this." He was told parents of those aged 15 and under were required to pay reparation.
Judge Walsh ordered the youth's mother to pay $300 reparation to the car owner at $40 per week. No further penalties were set on the failing to stop and dangerous driving charges.
