Woman had items stolen from museum

A South Canterbury woman found in possession of items stolen from the Waimate Museum could not say how she ended up with them.

Victoria Milne, 42, pleaded guilty to receiving property and assaulting a police officer in two separate incidents that occurred in 2020 when appearing before Judge Brian Callaghan in the Timaru District Court on Thursday.

According to the summary of facts, police discovered several items at Milne’s house after the museum informed police of a burglary that occurred between November 21-25, 2020.

Police found a toy pram containing a vintage camera, as well as several wooden tools, two chainsaws, a ‘‘large quality of metal serving wares’’ and a metal box containing medical equipment.

Most of the items carried identifying numbers assigned by the museum.

‘‘In explanation, the defendant stated she had bought the metal box from a market recently, and the serving wares were gifted to her,’’ the summary said.

‘‘She further claimed the toy pram belonged to her children who did not live with her, and she knew nothing about the chainsaws. When challenged on the serial numbers, she could not say how the items came into her possession.’’

Milne also pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer in an incident on January 1, 2020.

A constable arrived at Milne’s house, and advised her she was under arrest after police were making inquiries about a nearby incident.

‘‘She sat down with her hands beneath her and as the constable approached to apply handcuffs, she reared back and struck out at him with her feet, pushing him backwards away from her,’’ the summary said.

After the constable managed to apply the handcuffs, Milne shouted abuse at him and tried to break free.

When the constable was preparing to put Milne in a marked police car, Milne kicked backwards with her leg three times.

The constable did not sustain any injuries.

Judge Callaghan sentenced Milne to 12 months’ supervision on the two charges.

He acknowledged her offending was largely motivated by her problems with drugs and alcohol, and supervision could help turn her life around.