Man robs own grandmother

A man who ripped off his grandmother has been warned by a judge his actions bordered on elder abuse and his freedom was now at risk.

On Thursday, Jed Barriball appeared at New Plymouth District Court before Judge Jim Large, who reprimanded the 34-year-old for his ‘‘mean’’ and ‘‘serious’’ offending.

Barriball pleaded guilty to twice taking his grandmother’s bank card in May, fleecing her of $250.

‘‘This is really mean stuff, it’s almost verging on elder abuse,’’ Large told the defendant.

‘‘You know about that expression? Where young people take advantage of their elderly relations who are vulnerable, far more trusting, given the generation they’re in.

‘‘I take a very dim view on that, I’m afraid.’’

According to the summary of facts, Barriball took his grandmother’s bank card while visiting her.

He then drove to Inglewood where he used the card to withdraw $250 from an ATM.

‘‘The defendant knew the card’s PIN as he had previously observed the victim using it,’’ said the summary.

After withdrawing the money the defendant went back to his grandmother’s house and returned the card undetected.

The transaction was picked up the next day by another family member who then cancelled the bank card.

A couple of days later, Barriball returned to his grandmother’s house and again stole her card.

He went back to the same Inglewood ATM and attempted twice to withdraw money but was unsuccessful as the card had been cancelled.

When spoken to by police the defendant admitted the offences and said at the time he wasn’t in a clear state of mind.

In court, Barriball appeared without legal representation which was advised against by Large.

He then opted to speak to duty solicitor Turitea Bolstad who said Barriball was appalled by his actions for which he took full responsibility.

She said he wanted to quickly deal with the matter, and arrange repayments to his grandmother, so he could return to work.

But Large said unless he could repay the money up front that would not be happening. ‘‘It’s his grandmother for goodness’ sakes,’’ he said.

‘‘He’s got to do better than that.’’ Barriball was also convicted on a charge of careless driving which involved him crashing a vehicle he had borrowed.

Reparation of $1500 was sought for the damages. The total reparation of $1750 was not disputed by Barriball.

Large ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded him for sentencing on September 11.

‘‘I’m giving you advice that you need to seek some legal assistance for sentencing that is not the duty lawyer.

‘‘Your liberty is at risk.’’