Burglar to miss birth of child

Richard Malcolm will miss the birth of his child, because he'll be serving 12 months in jail.

Malcolm, 26, came to court from custody and was returned there on Thursday when Judge David Cameron sentenced him to the jail term.

Malcolm had pleaded guilty to burglary, dangerous driving and careless driving.

Judge Cameron said an aggravating feature in Malcolm's case was his record of dishonesty and violence beginning from 2004until the present day.

Malcolm's counsel, Stephanie Burlace, told Wanganui District Court Malcolm had an important attitude adjustment since his offences; his partner was 6 months pregnant and he was providing for his family with a rent-to-buy arrangement.

He also had strong family commitments caring for his grandmother and younger siblings.

Police prosecutor Rachael Willemsen said Malcolm was a "recidivist burglar from way back".

In April, Malcolm drove his vehicle to a timber yard in Taupo Quay.

With an associate as lookout, Malcolm cut a hole in a wire fence and loaded 33 three-metre-length deer posts on to his vehicle.

A member of the public saw the two acting suspiciously, and when Malcolm drove his vehicle into Taupo Quay, a passing police patrol saw him driving without lights.

On the dangerous-driving charge, Malcolm had been asleep in a garage. When he was woken he became agitated, screamed at the complainant and banged on a roller door, demanding she move her vehicle, which she did.

Malcolm then accelerated as he reversed his vehicle and drove into the complainant car and pushed it 10-15 metres down the road.

Judge Cameron told Malcolm he now appeared to have accepted responsibility.

"I wish you well in that regard, but I must hold you accountable," he said.

On the burglary charge, Malcolm must pay reparation of $367.50, and on the dangerous driving count, he was convicted and disqualified from driving for six months and ordered to pay reparation of $940.