A ‘remarkable lack of selfcontrol’ shown, says judge

A KUROW man who became enraged after his mother refused to take him to a friend’s house to watch a rugby test and then ran from police after the resulting fracas was sentenced at the Oamaru District Court on Wednesday.

Thomas Hector Munro (24) had earlier plead guilty to charges of disorderly behaviour and escaping police custody in relation to the June 23 incident.

The court heard about 5.30pm Munro arrived home after a drinking session with a friend, then asked his mother if she would drop him off at a friend’s house so he could watch the All Blacks play France in Dunedin.

When she refused, Munro verbally abused her, slammed doors, threw firewood around the lounge and then played loud heavy metal music before he continued drinking alone.

His mother called police which Munro, who had consumed more than half a crate of beer, took exception to and locked her out of the house.

Police arrived at the Ranfurly St address about 8.55pm, where they were greeted by Munro with ‘‘aggressive hand gestures’’.

About 15 minutes later Munro’s sister arrived with a key and entered the house, which prompted Munro to head outside where he verbally abused his mother, police and sister.

He continued his tirade despite being warned by police and was then placed under arrest.

However, before he was handcuffed Munro fled the scene on foot and was chased about 100m by police, who were unable to locate him.

After a short search he was discovered hiding in a garden area behind the Kurow Hotel.

When spoken to by police Munro said he was angry he was unable to watch the rugby test and said that when he drinks he ‘‘just wants to get written off’’.

Judge Joanna Maze said Munro showed a ‘‘remarkable lack of selfcontrol and selfmanagement’’ during the incident.

He was sentenced to six months’ supervision on the charge of escaping police custody and convicted and discharged on the disorderly behaviour charge.