Christopher Stephen Tilby, 48, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday where he was jailed for 21 months for the break-in at David Latta’s Balclutha building premises.
The ex-hooker, known as "Crazy" for his all-action on-field exploits, said it was frustrating the case had been before the courts for nearly a year when the defendant had been caught "clear as day" on camera.
On October 17 last year, Tilby was a passenger in a Nissan which stopped outside Mr Latta’s work property in Clyde St.
He got out and walked his dog while "scoping out" the address, the court heard.
"It’s obvious you spent quite a bit of time surveilling the premises in question", Judge David Robinson said.
Shortly after 5pm, when Mr Latta had left for the day, Tilby jemmied open a door to access the workshop area.
After loading dozens of electrical tools into a van, the defendant walked back to the vehicle in which he had arrived, put on a hoodie and returned to the business.
Tilby stole the vehicle, complete with the haul of tools, and drove off, followed by two women in the Nissan.
Mr Latta said he would often leave work at 5pm before returning later in the evening to continue working, which meant a chance encounter with the burglar could have easily occurred.
"If I’d done that he’d probably still be in my workshop. Things would’ve been different then", he said.
And what if he had lined up against Tilby on the rugby paddock?
"There probably wouldn’t be a lot of talking", he said.
Mr Latta was, however, somewhat sympathetic to the cycle of crime and "sad situation" in which Tilby had become caught because of his lifestyle.
While the loss of the vehicle had impacted the building company’s work short term, he had been comforted by the response to his plight, the victim said.
"We had a lot of local builders offering gear and stuff. When you’re in a small area, that’s very heart-warming", Mr Latta said.
"I’d be the first to stand up and do the same for any other builder."
Tilby’s counsel, Brendan Stephenson, said his client had engaged with a counsellor during his time behind bars and was focused on his rehabilitation.
Judge Robinson acknowledged the defendant’s desire to change his life but measured that against his slew of previous dishonesty convictions.
Tilby was ordered to pay $2000 to cover the victim’s insurance excess.
Because of the time he spent in custody he will be released soon.
rob.kidd@odt.co.nz , Court reporter
