Periodic detention for top triathlete

Press, 26 October 1989, Page 20

Periodic detention for top triathlete

A leading Canterbury triathlete was told by Judge Erber in the District Court yesterday that, prominent as he was in sport, he had a dishonest inclination.

The Judge told Graeme Hirst Horner, aged 25, unemployed, that the presentence report on him set out in some detail his difficulties, not the least of which was his prominence in a particular sport; and that as a consequence of that prominence he attracted greater publicity for his act of dishonesty than otherwise would be the case.

Horner, who appeared for sentence on a charge of unlawfully receiving bicycle parts valued at $420.90 between May 1, 1988, and July 3 this year, was sentenced to three months periodic detention and placed on supervision for six months.

Horner had pleaded guilty to the receiving charge this month, before a scheduled trial by jury was to have taken place. The bicycle parts, a pair of hubs and chain wheel and bracket, belonged to a Christchurch cycle shop proprietor.

Mr Ben Frampton, for Horner, sought a sentence of supervision as being in the best interest of Horner and the community. He said that alternatively, if a fine was contemplated, Horner had no savings but could pay a fine by selling his car.

Counsel said that through his involvement in cycling, Horner was in regular contact with people who had cycle accessories available at cheaper prices than normal.

In this instance it was a matter of his guilty know-

ledge about the parts he received. He had limited income and succumbed to the temptation.

The parts had been returned to the owner unused, and he had suffered no loss.

Mr Frampton said Horner was a reasonably intelligent person and had taken some steps to improve his social behaviour.

Mr Brent Stanaway made no submissions for the Crown.

The Judge said he did not agree with the recommendation in the pre-sen-tence report of supervision or community service as being appropriate.

He referred to past offences and penalties Horner had received, and said supervision and periodic detention were the appropriate sentences.