A serial burglar and ‘doting koro’ fails in appeal bid
A “doting koro” with an “inability to feel remorse” has failed in a bid to appeal his jail sentence for a two-month long Waikatowide spree of burglaries.
Charles Wilson took his appeal against his three-year-four-months jail term for five charges of burglary and one charge of theft to the High Court, claiming his jail term was “manifestly excessive”.
He also claimed the sentencing judge failed to provide enough credit for his background and rehabilitation efforts outlined in a Section 27 Cultural Report, and for his remorse.
Wilson and “associates” began their crime spree on September 10, 2021, at the Black Bill liquor store in Te Kuiti, with Wilson using a crowbar to try and enter the store before abandoning their efforts.
That same night the group moved on to Te Awamutu, stealing cash from a closed Caltex petrol station.
Other targets included a store at The Base in Hamilton, a dwelling in Hamilton where a television and home theatre unit was stolen, and a Thirsty Liquor outlet in Huntly.
Wilson’s spree came to an end on October 29, 2021 when he was arrested outside an electrical shop in Morrinsville.
Wilson’s lawyer argued his client should have received a larger discount for factors in his Cultural Report, including a childhood surrounded by “violence, inappropriate behaviours and gangs”.
Wilson described his gang affiliation as “intergenerational”, and also claimed to have been “surrounded” by domestic violence and drug use. His partner also described him as a “doting koro”.
The Crown, however, said he had failed to provide evidence of rehabilitative steps.
The Cultural Report writer also made reference to Wilson’s “inability to feel remorse”.
“[Mr Wilson] said sadly enough when he was committing crime [he] had no remorse for his behaviours or why he was doing it,” the ruling said.
“He said pressures of having to feed my family and finding the money without employment and the jobseekers is nowhere near enough for the finances so I stole to provide, and I stole to pay for my habit, it was a big drug need, since I had been smoking meth since 14, and dope from 15.”
Justice Tahana referred to that admission in relation to his remorse letter, noting he displayed a focus “on downplaying his offending rather than focusing on taking responsibility for it”.
“I do not consider that the Judge erred in not granting a larger discount for the matters raised in the Section 27 report,” Justice Tahana said. “The appeal is dismissed.”