A mentally ill man who broke into Government House grounds also committed a raft of offences at the top of the South Island, before going on a shoplifting spree in Dunedin, taking jewellery and perfume, a court has heard. Joel Wallace (31) was sentenced by Judge John Macdonald in the Dunedin District Court on 17 charges from Blenheim, Nelson, Wellington and Dunedin. ‘‘You are in need of medication to keep your life on an even keel,’’ Judge Macdonald said. He had since written a letter of apology to the retailers, which Judge Macdonald acknowledged was ‘‘very respectful’’. He was ordered to complete drug and alcohol abuse counselling and to pay reparation to the Wellington dance studio of $123, and the Dunedin businesses.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 07, 2018 19:41 UTC