Cannons Creek resident wanted to make quick cash

A Cannons Creek man attempted to steal a 32-inch television from The Warehouse Porirua because he needed to make some quick cash.

Scott Edward Byrnes, 31, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft at Porirua District Court last Tuesday.

Police prosecutor Mike Craig said that on January 28 Byrnes walked into The Warehouse and picked up a 32-inch high-definition television, valued at $ 299.98, before attempting to avoid security and leave the store without paying.

Mr Craig said Byrnes said he had no money to pay rent and needed to make some fast, otherwise he would be homeless.

Defence lawyer Louise Brown said Byrnes was in a desperate situation because his expenses each week were more than his benefit.

‘‘The reality is he is having difficulty with his financial situation,’’ she said.

He was also paying off a sentence of fines and a $1000 bank loan.

Ms Brown said Byrnes was made redundant from his job last year and was job searching.

Judge Walker said the situation was no excuse to steal.

‘‘A lot of people are desperate, a lot of people have difficulty,’’ he said.

Judge Walker convicted Byrnes and sentenced him to 40 hours’ community work and suggested he sought budgeting help.