A judge says a Dunedin man "violated the sanctity" of homes he burgled amidst a meth-fuelled theft spree.
Ricky Arthur Nicholson, 37, appeared in the Dunedin District Court before Judge Russell Walker last week cutting a different figure since his arrest four months ago.
Counsel Jim Takas said the man turned to drugs after losing his job and between February and April the man committed 10 dishonesty offences to fund his methamphetamine habit.
"He went down to 42kg ... he’s back at 72kg which is about what he should be. If you look at him, he’s a bit healthier and we can take an inference that he has been clean," Mr Takas said.
Nicholson burgled four homes, stole goods from a supermarket and on February 25 he was caught on CCTV snooping around a property in Kilgour St, before stealing a $4000 mountainbike.
His mother-in-law took the bike to Cash Converters and gave him the $300 she made from the sale.
On March 30, he entered a Leith St flat while the victim was at home — making off with shoes, clothing and a wallet containing an overseas credit card.
Nicholson attempted to use the card five times. Two of the transactions were successful.
After burgling two more student flats, he accumulated "a plethora of stolen property", court documents said.
One of the victims spotted his stolen pair of Nike sneakers listed on Facebook marketplace, leading to Nicholson’s arrest.
"You stated you were very high and not in a good space and you would do anything to get money," Judge Walker said.
"You also say you were trying to get money for you and your daughter."
Nicholson was reportedly "very remorseful" and had been drug free for four months since engaging with specialist addiction services.
Victim statements were read in court, with the judge relaying the "real emotional harm" caused and ongoing concerns for safety.
One of the victims said she was finding it hard to sleep knowing someone had been in her personal space.
"You violated the sanctity of their homes ... there was a real risk of you coming into contact and conflict with those occupants."
Nicholson was sentenced to seven months’ home detention.
"I hope, as appears to be the case, that you have got yourself off your methamphetamine habit," the judge said.
