IM this article to a friend!

August 3, 2004

Man jailed for stealing from deaf man, drink-driving

From: Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - Aug 3, 2004

A Hamilton man owing $16,361 in fines has been jailed after stealing from a deaf man, drink-driving a fourth time and breaching bail.

In Hamilton District Court yesterday, Jared Twizell, 20, unemployed, was sentenced on four charges of theft, including 48 CDs valued at $1000, one charge of attempted theft, two charges of breaching bail, his fourth excess breath-alcohol charge and his second charge of driving while disqualified. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

Judge Robert Spear said the theft of two wheels from the uninsured car of a deaf student meant he had to walk 3km a day to and from university – which in wet weather affected his hearing-aid – and he was unable to drive home in the weekends to see his mother, who needed his help. The car was not worth fixing and had been wrecked, leaving the student with a $250 bill for towing.

"The community is sick of people like you," Judge Spear said.

Twizell's lawyer, Sacha Nepe, sought leave to apply for home detention, saying he and his partner were dependent on each other and he needed to care for his five-month-old son. But Judge Spear refused.

"It's time to grow up," he said. Twizell's partner sobbed as Judge Spear jailed Twizell for 18 months and remitted the fines.

© Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2004. All rights reserved