CHRISTCHURCH: Rory Khan Conley told his probation officer he felt "like a scumbag" for his Christmas morning burglary in Christchurch, in which he stole a little girl's presents.
His comment emerged as he was sentenced to two years and five months' jail by Christchurch District Court Judge Brian Callaghan.
The burglary was part of a series of thefts at the Meadow Park Holiday Camp in suburban Papanui by Conley and an alleged co-offender, who is also in custody.
Conley admitted three burglaries, within minutes of each other, in which wrapped Christmas gifts taken from two girls who were on holiday with their family from the North Island.
One of the sets of gifts was found in Conley's car and returned.
Police allege the other gifts were taken away in the family's car by the second offender, who was not arrested until weeks later.
Conley (26), unemployed, was on prison release conditions after an earlier prison term for burglary when the offences were committed.
Defence counsel Serina Bailey said he was genuinely remorseful and wanted a restorative justice meeting with the victims.
Judge Callaghan noted that Conley had said at his pre-sentence interview: "I feel like a scumbag for what I have done".
The judge said he could not take into account the emotions involved in a Christmas burglary, but noted presents had been stolen and the impact on the victims.
Conley had entered a motel unit while people were asleep in the next room.
Conley was also ordered to pay $1000 as his share of the reparation.
