Drugs drove the offending by three burglars who hit dozens of home and caused losses totalling $200,000.
All three say they now have insight into the fear, loss and damage they caused, as they begin their sentences imposed in the Christchurch District Court.
Three other members of the alleged crime ring have pleaded not guilty and are still to go to trial.
Judge Raoul Neave told the three he sentenced yesterday: “All of you are illustrations of the dangers of being involved particularly with methamphetamine and the desperate paths down which it can take you, and the devastation is can wreak on your lives and everybody affected by your behaviour.”
Alexander James McCormick, 27, was jailed for five years for 11 burglaries, three thefts, three frauds, and theft of a car.
Elise Van Dam, 27, was in tears as she was jailed for four years four months, for 10 burglaries and being a member of an organised criminal group. She had been the look-out while burglaries were carried out.
Mere Aroha Morgan, 26, was sentenced to nine months’ home detention at a property in Woolston, on four charges of burglary, two thefts of cars, and being a member of an organised criminal group.
Defence counsel Anselm Williams said McCormick had received a positive pre-sentence report. He accepted he had an alcohol and drug problem and was keen to undergo rehabilitation to “turn himself around”.
Allister Davis said Van Dam, who has been on bail, had returned a clear drug test. She was now living in a country area, away from those who had got her into trouble when she was in the grips of a serious meth addiction. She was remorseful and her offending had brought her family unit closer through its strong support of her.
Defence counsel David Stringer said Morgan’s family had seen significant changes in her attitude and her lifestyle. She was now living back at her mother’s address, with her children.
Judge Neave said earlier that the offending had been a cynical commercial operation which resulted in losses totalling $200,000. Victims’ homes had been spoilt and they were left inconvenienced, fearful, and nervous. Items of sentimental value were among the property taken.
But he noted the three now showed growing insight into their offending. Van Dam said at her pre-sentence interview: “I can’t imagine what the victims would feel…shattered…I don’t have the words. It’s just rough.”
The judge added a month to her sentence for remitting thousands of dollars of unpaid fines.
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