Three spared jail time by judge

Stacey Jon Anspach, 19, was convicted and sentenced to 12 months' supervision, 150 hours community work, four months' community detention. he also was ordered to pay $2387 in reparation.

Three Masterton people have avoided jail on serious charges.

A 19-year-old involved in a smash-and-grab burglary of tobacco products was convicted in Masterton District court on Monday.

Stacey Jon Anspach and two others smashed their way into Faulknors Service Station on February 11, stealing more than $6000 worth of cigarettes and tobacco and causing $2500 in damage. He was also charged with stealing a $600 mountain bike from a young boy.

Judge Barbara Morris said the boy had wanted the bike for a long time and had saved up for it.

Anspach stole it from outside a supermarket.

"You simply took it for yourself," Judge Morris said.

Anspach previously pleaded guilty to the charges.

Judge Morris convicted and sentenced him to 12 months' supervision, 150 hours community work, four months' community detention and to pay $2387 in reparation. The maximum sentence for burglary is 10 years imprisonment.

Meanwhile, a couple were convicted and sentenced to community detention for knowing a man they lived with was growing cannabis and stealing power.

Jason Paul Sammons and Marie Sammons pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting a premise to be used to commit an offence against the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mr Sammons also pleaded guilty to a charge of theft of electricity worth over $1000.

Defence lawyer Virginia Pearson said Mr Sammons felt threatened and intimidated by the man.

"The culpability went as far as knowledge."

During sentencing, Judge Morris said she took into account their guilty pleas, their health and naivety.

Mr Sammons received three months' community detention and Mrs Sammons two months.

The maximum sentence is three years imprisonment.