Christmas Day burglar takes wine to give as presents Leave a comment

A man who burgled a rural Marlborough property in the early hours of Christmas Day says he is saving up the money to repay it.

Kevin James Tahuaroa, 34, drove to a property on Hammerichs Rd in Rapaura, about 2.55am on December 25. He wore gardening gloves and clothing to hide his identity, a police summary of facts said.

He parked near an outbuilding and forced entry through a locked window by jemmying it open with a crowbar.

Once inside he searched for valuable items and took several bottles of wine, as well as a bag of power tools, putting them in his vehicle and driving off. The value of the items taken was $2000.

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When spoken to by police he admitted the burglary. He said he left the tools outside and someone took them from him, while the wine he distributed to family members as Christmas gifts, the summary said.

Tahuaroa pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of instruments for burglary at the Blenheim District Court on Monday.

He was also charged with possession of weapons, but had not yet entered a plea.

Police sought an order for the destruction of his burglary tools, including a set of bolt cutters, and his gloves.

His lawyer Laurie Murdoch​ said her client wanted to save up to repay the $2000. He was prepared to meet the property owner for restorative justice, if the owner was prepared to participate, she said.

Judge Jo Rielly noted Tahuaroa had not had any convictions in the previous five years.

She remanded Tahuaroa on bail to June 20 for sentencing, and referred the case to restorative justice.