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R v Baker [2019] NZDC 25475

Published 08 October 2021

Sentencing — unlawfully taking a motor vehicle — unlawfully using a motor vehicle — using a document to obtain a pecuniary advantage — burglary — possession of methamphetamine — possession of cannabis — possession of a knife in a public place — possession of an item capable of being used to break into motor vehicles — mental health issues. The defendant appeared for sentence on a raft of charges involving theft of cars, theft of various items, buying goods using a stolen card, burglaries of residential houses, and possession of drugs for personal use. On the lead charges, the burglaries, the Court set a start point for sentence of three years' imprisonment, and added two six-month uplifts for the remainder of the charges and a three-month uplift for previous offending. In mitigation, the defendant had pleaded guilty and suffered from mental health problems. The final sentence was three years two months' imprisonment. Judgment Date: 12 December 2019.