A homeless man who broke up wooden election signs in Tauranga so he could use them as a roof for his tent has been sentenced to 15 months of intensive supervision, the NZ Herald reports. Corey James Southall, 49, appeared by video link from prison at Tauranga District Court on Friday after pleading guilty to seven charges, including three of wilful damage.
According to the police summary, in September he smashed a Labour Party sign on Pāpāmoa Beach Road and damaged a National Party sign nearby, telling officers the signs belonged to people he did not like. Other charges covered threatening and disorderly behaviour and breaching earlier sentences. Judge Rielly said a probation report showed a real change in his outlook and, with better support in place, she was satisfied that a prison sentence was not needed.
Source: NZ Herald