Trail of crime on five-week tour of country

Press, 2 June 1982, Page 4

Trail of crime on five-week tour of country

Nelson reporter The owner of a $15,500 car was given two choices by an acquaintance while in a remote spot in Auckland — to leave the car' or “be left behind and never be found." Judge Headifen was told in the District Court at Nelson yesterday. A man of no fixed abode. Kurt Scriven. aged 26. unemployed. admitted 23 of 25 charges relating to property or services provided, during a five-week journey through the North and South Islands. In that period, property valued at more than $lB,OOO was involved in the criminal activities of the defendant. He admitted 11 charges of false pretence relating to the presentation of cheques valued at more than $1075, three charges of theft, one of car conversion, one of threatening to kill Robert Maura Pene in Auckland, three of

credit by fraud and four of breaking and entering. He denied one charge of theft (of a cheque book) and one of false pretence allegedly relating to the presentation of an imitation United States $5O note. He was remanded in custody for a probation officer’s report and sentence to June 8. Sergeant D. Allen said Scriven had arrived back in New Zealand on April 12 after being deported from Australia. He contacted Pene. with whom he had had dealings and arrangements were made for Pene for pick him up by car. Scriven was allowed to drive the vehicle into an isolated spot where he told Pene he had two choices — to get out and let Scriven take the car, or “be left behind and never be found." When Pene argued, Scriven said he was desperate.

needed a fast car. and if Pene did not agree to his demands he would “do him in." He took the car and it was later found abandoned. Scriven had travelled down the North Island and into the South Island, travelling down as far as Lake Wanaka and the Franz Joesf region. Valueless cheques were issued for lodgings and goods, and for the hire of a vehicle which was later abandoned and found to have been damaged and requiring repairs of $2400. said Sergeant Allen. In the Nelson district Scriven had issued valueless cheques for more than $lOOO before being arrested. Of the more than $lB,OOO worth of property involved. $17.129. had been recovered and $4Ol had been involved in accommodation and services. Sergeant Allen sought restitution of more than $2OOO.