Receiving stolen property

The judge told an Oamaru woman that a ‘‘misguided act of loyalty’’ had resulted in nothing more than an appearance in the dock and a criminal conviction.

CarlaJane Cleverley (30) appeared for sentencing on a charge of receiving stolen property as a result of an incident that unfolded on July 27.

The court heard that on that day, the armed offenders squad executed a search at a Wansbeck St address occupied by several people.

During the search a purebred pit bull, named Chase, was seized by a Waitaki District Council control officer because of its history of ‘‘menacing behaviour’’.

It was taken to the pound in Chelmer St.

Later that night or on the morning of July 28, the pound was broken into and Chase was taken.

On August 2, police inquiries led officers to a Kakanui address, where Chase was located.

When spoken to by police, Cleverley admitted she had received the stolen dog when it was dropped off, after initially claiming she had stolen it.

She told police she knew the dog had been seized by animal control and that she did not have the legal authority to house it, as she was not its owner.

Judge Maze told Cleverley her actions were a ‘‘misguided act of loyalty’’ that landed her in court.

Cleverley was convicted and discharged. She was also remanded on bail to January 16 to appear for sentencing on an unrelated burglary charge.