So-called friends threaten man

A man with mental health problems was threatened with violence if he didn’t steal a brand-new motorbike and sell it.

Matthew Steven Anthony Davies was forced by people he thought were his friends to steal the $25,000 bike, before forging new ownership papers and registration plates and selling it for $20,000.

Davies, who has anxiety and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, became involved with the wrong crowd after turning to drugs.

His ‘‘so-called friends’’ threatened him with violence and withheld medication if he didn’t do as they said, the Palmerston North District Court heard yesterday.

Judge Jim Large sympathised with

‘‘Clearly, your mental health has contributed to your current position, [but] drug use has been a driving force.’’ Judge Jim Large

Davies.

However, he ordered him to repay the $20,000 and sentenced him to two months’ community detention and 12 months’ intensive supervision.

It was sad Davies was used, the judge said.

‘‘We now have to give you the tools so it doesn’t happen again.

‘‘Clearly, your mental health has contributed to your current position.

‘‘But drug use has been a driving force.’’ Soon after buying the vehicle, the victim had it inspected by vehicle registration officials, who noticed the serial number matched the description of a stolen bike. He returned it to the initial owner. ‘‘As a consequence, he’s out of pocket $20,000,’’ the Judge said.

It wasn’t said whether Davies shared the money with other people.

Davies is visiting a counsellor, but no longer trusted anyone other than his mother, who helped him pay a portion of the reparation sum.

It was Davis’ first offence.