"Cultural deprivation'' was advanced as a mitigating factor in the case of a Frankton man who burgled Jamie's Jewellers in Queenstown in April. He entered the store, smashed another glass window and removed watches valued at $11,358, stole a Microsoft laptop, valued at $3680, and $150 cash from the till. Judge John Brandts-Giesen had earlier given him a sentencing indication of 20 months in prison, which was accepted. Judge Brandts-Giesen said despite his "cultural deprivation'' at a certain point "youth'' could not be used as an excuse. Judge Brandts-Giesen granted leave for the sentence to be converted to one of nine months' home detention should a suitable address be found.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 10, 2019 23:03 UTC