Attacks over computer

A computer taken by mistake set off a chain of events that led to a jilted woman causing $11,000 worth of damage to her former partner’s car.

Selena Dawn Gray, 44, was in the Nelson District Court yesterday for sentence on charges of burglary and wilful damage. Gray had previously pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court heard that Gray had been in an ‘‘on and off’’ relationship with the victim, who was also her boss.

Gray’s lawyer Dave Holloway said the situation on January 24 this year had come about due to a misunderstanding about the whereabouts of a computer.

Holloway said the victim had come to Gray’s address to take back a computer that belonged to him, during an ‘‘off’’ period in their relationship.

However, finding two which appeared similar, the victim took Gray’s personal computer by mistake, instead of the one which belonged to him. After realising his mistake, the victim had taken the computer to the Takaka Police Station, where it was to be returned to Gray.

Holloway said when Gray went to the victim’s address looking for her computer, she was unaware it had been taken to the station.

Going to the victim’s bedroom, she took several personal items and left.

Holloway said Gray’s intent was to keep the items, which included a cell phone, ‘‘as hostage’’ until her computer was returned.

However, when Gray examined the phone she found texts which suggested the victim had been in another relationship.

According to the police summary of facts, Gray returned to the address an hour later. Gray picked up a large metal pole and caused considerable damage to the victim’s Ford Ranger.

She returned to the address the next day, yelling outside the house, and then used the metal pole to smash the bedroom window.

Judge Garry Barkle said he believed Gray’s conduct was ‘‘aberrant’’, given the personal circumstances, her lack of convictions for similar offences and good character references.

Judge Barkle said while he could understand Gray had felt hurt and betrayed, she needed to contain her feelings and act in a more mature way.

He said it had been fortunate for Gray that the $11,000 worth of damages was set to be covered through insurance payments.

‘‘Standing there and thinking things through, I imagine you’d be pretty appalled at the way you behaved.’’

Judge Barkle sentenced Gray to 130 hours of community work, 10 months supervision, and reparations of $400.