Train looter caught taking booty back

A Kaikoura youth has admitted looting a train trapped between landslides after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Kaikoura.

Angus Clarence Garrett, 18, stole two frying pans and baby formula from the train on November 16, two days after the major earthquake.

A police summary of facts said Garrett and two friends were walking through Mangamaunu, north of Kaikoura, when they found the train.

The carriages were carrying freight for Countdown, as well as Moet Champagne, car parts, motorbikes and Cookie Time cookies, and were extensively damaged.

Kiwirail was unable to retrieve the carriages or the goods while the road and rail were blocked.

Garrett took two frying pans and some baby formula, worth between $100 and $200, and he and his friends went home.

Shortly after arriving home, the trio discussed the loot and decided they should take it back, the summary said.

They returned to the train with the items to find police monitoring the site.

The trio confessed to looting the train.

Garrett told the officers he stole the items because they needed supplies to survive after the earthquake. He was arrested and charged with theft.

The following week, police searched Garrett’s home in Kaikoura to see if he had any other items from the train.

They did not find any, but found two home-made bongs made from bottles.

Garrett admitted theft and possession of cannabis utensils at the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

His lawyer Rennie Gould said Garrett was cut off from his family after the earthquake and had to sleep in a car.

‘‘I think it’s fair to say there were extenuating circumstances,’’ she said.

Gould planned to apply for a discharge without conviction, she said.

Garrett was remanded on bail to February 27 for sentencing.

– Fairfax NZ