Two men charged with stealing three emergency generators a day after the Christchurch earthquake face a month behind bars after a special Christchurch District Court sitting this morning to deal with criminal cases in the wake of the quake.
Jed Wilson-Calver, 22, unemployed, and Owen Anthony Jackson, a 23-year-old fisherman, offered to leave the city immediately if granted bail, but Judge Michael Crosbie refused, remanding them in custody until March 28, Christchurch Court News website reported.
Judge Crosbie told them: "Those who burgle, loot, steal, or impersonate officials at this time demonstrate that they are capable of anything."
"Anyone who the courts deem a risk to the community can be expect to be remanded in custody."
It was the fourth sitting of the court held at the police station following the suspension of regular court sittings since Tuesday.
Judge Crosbie said the generators, worth $6000, were set up to provide back-up power for essential communications. They were stolen between 7.30pm and 10pm on Wednesday.
"My job is to assess the risk," the judge told both men.
They were charged with stealing vital equipment at a time when people were "dying around us".
"What would possess someone to do that?" he asked.
The session dealt with other people charged with earthquake-related offences, including Nathan John de Seymour, 22, a hammer hand, of the southern suburb of Beckenham, who was charged with burglary of a house.
He was also remanded in custody to March 28.
NZPA
source: newshub archive
