\u201cYou have a reasonably long list of convictions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe real issue is drugs,\u201d Judge Gilbert said to him. <\/p>\n
Hansen faced charges of theft, possessing offensive weapons, methamphetamine utensils, unlawful possession of ammunition, wilful damage, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and driving while disqualified. <\/p>\n
The court heard he had driven into an Ashburton gas station in November 2025, fuelled up, and driven off without paying for the gas.<\/p>\n
Just over three hours later he was stopped by police about 30 minutes south in Orari.<\/p>\n
Hansen told police he knew he was a disqualified driver but didn\u2019t agree with the charge. <\/p>\n
Defence lawyer Joseph Tupaea said Hansen had been in custody for seven months and asked that $3500 in fines be remitted.<\/p>\n
He said Hansen had shown a willingness to engage with report writers and asked for a 30% sentence discount for guilty pleas and background issues. <\/p>\n
Reparation of $17,200 was sought for damage to the farmhouse and costs incurred in having the quad bike released from the tow yard and returned to the farm. <\/p>\n
Further reparation of $2300 was sought for damage to the associate\u2019s belongings. <\/p>\n
Judge Tom Gilbert. Photo \/ Pool<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is obvious you caused a lot of damage and the prospects of you repaying it are remote,\u201d Judge Gilbert said to him.<\/p>\n
There had been a psychological impact on the farm owner and their family, the judge said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey considered it a safe place; you ruined it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Judge Gilbert said Hansen had engaged well with report writers and had a good upbringing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour mum said it is drugs, you said you are keen to get help.\u201d<\/p>\n
The judge said aggravating features included extensive loss and some premeditation.<\/p>\n
Judge Gilbert acknowledged the guilty pleas, and the role drug offending had played. <\/p>\n
He adopted a starting point of 20 months\u2019 imprisonment and applied a 20% discount for guilty pleas and 10% for drug issues.<\/p>\n
Judge Gilbert sentenced Hansen to 16 months\u2019 jail with leave to apply for home detention, remitted the fines and ordered $10,000 reparation for the farmhouse damage, and $1000 reparation for the damage to the associate\u2019s belongings.<\/p>\n
Al Williams is an Open Justice reporter for the New Zealand Herald, based in Christchurch. He has worked in daily and community titles in New Zealand and overseas for the last 16 years. Most recently he was editor of the Hauraki-Coromandel Post, based in Whangamat\u0101. He was previously deputy editor of the Cook Islands News.<\/p>\n