An Auckland man of Indian descent will be deported following his release from prison after he was found with 10 false driver’s licences, 450 blank cards and a card printer.
Davinder Singh, 26, appeared in the Dunedin District Court this week keenly watched by immigration staff who will ultimately escort him back to India.
After completing his electrical engineering studies, the defendant seemed "to have lost his way a little bit in Auckland", counsel Dan Gardiner said.
Over a six-month period, Singh racked up six dishonesty crimes, including forgery.
On December 29, 2021, Singh was driving in Papatoetoe when he was stopped by police.
In the passenger seat sat Singh’s associate, who was breaching his electronically monitored bail.
Five forged driver’s licences, 10 bank cards with various names and 450 blank cards were located in the vehicle.
A card printer and a "tiny amount" of methamphetamine were also found, court documents said.
Although four of the cards showed Singh’s picture, he denied any knowledge of the forged documents, blaming his passenger for the offending.
One month later, Singh attempted to use a falsified licence to pick up a rental car at Auckland Airport.
He told police an associate had offered him $3000 to collect the vehicle.
Six months later, while on bail, Singh presented a stolen bank card at ANZ in Sylvia Park, in the hope of gaining access to a customer’s account.
When a staff member saw Singh’s forged driver’s licence she became suspicious and contacted police.
Singh was found with five driver’s licences — each with the same photograph and different names.
On July 19, the defendant breached his bail when he cut off his electronically monitored anklet, evading both court and immigration staff.
Singh had no previous convictions and Judge Emma Smith said he had previously been "of very good character".
"All of this offending shows extreme and determined dishonesty," Judge Emma Smith said.
"You talk about circumstances beyond your control ... pressure set on you by others.
"It’s not impressive that you haven’t taken full responsibility."
Singh spent more than four months in custody and expected to return home to Punjab on his release from prison, where he would work on a farm with his father.
"He regrets the offending that occurred and throws himself on the mercy of the court," Mr Gardiner said.
Singh was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and, due to time served, he is expected to be released into the custody of immigration staff in the coming months.
