War hero, 84, packs for jail but wins a reprieve

An 84-year-old serial shoplifter went to court with his bag packed but escaped jail when a judge gave him another chance.

Reginald Hugh Donovan was said to have stolen items from a Countdown supermarket despite a two-year ban, as well as from other shops in a Christchurch mall.

Donovan, a war hero who won the Military Medal during World War 2 and was wounded five times, admitted charges of trespass and three counts of theft.

Judge Michael Crosbie said Donovan presented a sentencing dilemma. He went to jail at age 83. A deferred sentence and community work since then had not worked.

"He's got all these problems that don't seem able to be addressed until he's got someone to give him a hand."

The judge was referring to a shortage of home help in Christchurch for elderly people, but also noted Donovan had 46 previous convictions for shoplifting and trespass.

"There comes a point at which enough's enough, isn't there."

For Donovan, Denise Johnston said he needed someone to do his daily shopping.

Judge Crosbie agreed a deferred sentence was the best option, plus supervision in the hope Donovan could be adequately monitored.

Donovan was sentenced to supervision for six months on one charge of theft, in which he would take treatment and counselling as directed.

Sentencing on the other charges was deferred until June 21.

- NZPA