Shaun Symon, 40, appeared in the Dunedin District Court this week a changed man — three months sober, counsel Emma Cocrane said. It was a far cry from the mayhem of October when his alcoholism led him on a shoplifting tour of the city. It meant on a single thirsty day, Symon had stolen 40 RTDs, four bottles of cider and a box of beer. He even kicked on the following day, shoplifting two more bottles of Scrumpy before police tracked him down to the Dunedin Botanic Garden. Symon tried to pull away again but was handcuffed and arrested.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 13, 2026 15:43 UTC