Thief was the obvious suspect, says judge

A man who stole thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes and grocery items from a Masterton petrol station during his final night shift was told by a Masterton District Court judge that it was a "particularly stupid theft as you were obviously the first person they would suspect".

Aaron Blair Smith, 21, of Masterton yesterday pleaded guilty to theft.

He was convicted and fined $1000 and $130 court costs by Judge Geoffrey Ellis, who also imposed an order for reparation.

Smith had been working by himself about 2.30am on April 11 at a Masterton Shell station.

He had recently resigned and it was his last work night at the station.

Smith sent a text message to a friend and told him to come down.

The friend arrived with his girlfriend and held bags while Smith filled them with $5078.05 worth of cigarettes and various grocery items off the shelves, charging the items against the account of the manager.

Smith swiped his friend's Flybuys card so he could get the points for the stolen items.

Smith told police he had stolen the items because he didn't like the manager.

Judge Ellis said the offence had a maximum penalty of seven years jail and Smith was only fined because it was his first offence and he had admitted his guilt.