Jail for ‘23 crimes’

Press, 9 June 1982, Page 4

Jail for ‘23 crimes’

Nelson reporter A man who was deported from Australia after serving a prison sentence there, absconded from bail and then set off to commit 23 crimes during a five-week tour of New Zealand, was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment by Judge Headifen in the District Court at Nelson, yesterdav.

Kurt Scriven. of no fixed abode, aged 26. unemployed, had earlier admitted 23 of 25 charges relating to his trip from Auckland to Southland. These charges involved 11 of false pretences relating to the presentation of valueless cheques, three of theft, one of car conversion, one of threatening to kill the owner of the car. three of credit by fraud and four of breaking and entering. The two charges to which he had pleaded not guilty — one of theft of a cheque book and the other of presenting an imitation United States $5O bill — — withdrawn by Sergeant D. Allen, appearing for the police. Last week Judge Headifen

was told that more than $lB,OOO worth of property was involved and restitution of more than $2OOO would be sought. Judge Headifen said yesterday that restitution of this amount was out of the question. Appearing for Scriven. Mr M. R. Abbott said that since 1974. the defendant had spent seven years in prison and was in danger of "institutionalisation." He suggested he should be given a com-munity-based sentence so that his rehabilitation in the community could be continued. Judge Headifen rejected this submission, saying that Scriven had "an appalling list." He listed some 40 convictions against Scriven since 1975. Those included convictions for burglary, car conversion. theft, escaping and breach of parole. While on bail awaiting a hearing he had absconded after being deported from Australia. He imposed sentences ranging from six months imprisonment to 18 months on most charges. The terms of the sentences are concurrent.