Jail for slew of offences

‘‘Prison is not a place for young men. But it does become a place when you pass a certain point,’’ Judge Crosbie said, describing as ‘‘sad’’ the case of a 24yearold man. The court had run out of options, the judge said.

Daniel Richard Marsh, of Dunedin, had been convicted of intentionally damaging a sign, the property of Rock Gas, in Hillside Rd, on May 3; stealing $24 alcohol from Super Liquor Octagon, on May 17; trespassing on a Waimea Ave address, on June 6; failing to attend court, on June 28; and burgling a High St address, unlawfully having an offensive weapon (a knife) with him in public, resisting a constable and refusing to provide fingerprints, on July 1.

Reviewing the facts of the July 1 offending, the judge said Marsh was with an associate in High St, about 2.15am, and under the influence of nonprescription medication, ‘‘you say acid and mushroom’’, he told Marsh.

Marsh left his associate on the pavement and went through a gate on to a property where, after attempting to gain entry at various points, he gained access through some French doors.

Once inside, he took a kitchen knife, a guitar and various electrical items, including leads and remote controls.

He left and gave the guitar to his associate and went back inside.

Police arrived and saw him coming out.

All of the stolen items were recovered.

On the street, when confronted by police, he removed a number of items from his pockets and handed them over. One item was a meat cleaver.

He spat at police when arrested, and kicked out and struggled against them.

In custody, he refused to provide his fingerprints.

His explanation was he had gone into the house looking for cigarettes.

Public defender Pete Tuala said Marsh pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He had difficulties with alcohol and some sort of intellectual disability.

He was prepared to accept help. His mother was in court to support him. He had been in custody for more than three months.

Marsh was sentenced to 12 months’ jail (with six months’ release conditions), and there was a protection order in favour of the victim of the trespass offence.