Burglar sent to prison

Press, 4 May 1984, Page 19

Burglar sent to prison

Prison sentences totalling 15 months were imposed by Judge Pain in the District Court yesterday on Stephen John Rayner for offences including burglary of a shop in New Brighton Mall, and unlawfully possessing a pistol (a loaded cut-down rifle). The defendant, aged 33, had been found guilty by a jury at a trial last month of a joint charge with another man of burglary of the shop of Hallenstein Brothers, Ltd, in New Brighton Mall, last November 25. He had pleaded guilty to separate offences of possession of the pistol, receiving stolen property and theft of a woman’s handbag from a hotel, on other dates last year. He had been remanded for sentence to yesterday on all charges. The Judge imposed a prison sentence of 15

months — the same as that for a co-offender sentenced on Wednesday — on the burglary charge, and concurrent sentences of six months imprisonment for the other offences. After hearing submissions by counsel (Mr D. C. Fitzgibbon), in mitigation of penalty, the Judge said the defendant had a substantial criminal record. He had continued to offend in spite of leniency extended to him twice last year, with terms of periodic detention on burglary charges. His continuing criminal conduct called for a substantial prison term, and this was necessary for the public’s protection. The Judge said that he took into account matters mentioned by counsel, and that the defendant had been in custody for nearly six months, pending his trial and sentence.