A French chef who was described as a "high-end grazer" by Judge Kevin Phillips in the Queenstown District Court was held in contempt of court yesterday for "playing rock'n'roll as he stood in the dock".
Cedric Joseph Henri Louis (24) was spoken to by Senior Constable Chris Blackford as he stood in the dock with large earphones on his ears.
Judge Phillips found his behaviour contemptuous and sent him to the police cells, bringing him back up about two hours later.
Louis admitted stealing $87.80 worth of groceries from Fresh Choice Queenstown on May 17 and, when he reappeared, he was asked by Judge Phillips what he had to say for himself.
"I'm sorry to steal food and everything," Louis said.
Judge Phillips said his apology "expunges the contempt".
Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin said Louis walked around Fresh Choice concealing grocery items in his bag and pockets.
The items included a beef roast, butter and salmon fillets - the latter he had stuffed down his trousers.
Judge Phillips said an excuse he "didn't think about the consequences" of the theft and he had "no money" to pay for the food was "surprising".
"He seems to have thought about what he stole.
"He stole high-end food.
"It seems to me he's a high-end grazer."
Louis was offered diversion but had no funds available, so was not suitable for the process.
He was in New Zealand on a working holiday and was earning $300 a week.
Judge Phillips said he did not consider Louis' actions impulsive.
"It was clearly premeditated by you.
"You are here as a guest on a working visa [and] you are at least the fifth person who is here on a visa who has offended against our law.
"Enough is enough."
Judge Phillips questioned why reparation was not being sought for the items stolen.
Sgt Collin said all the food was recovered, however, Judge Phillips questioned how some of it would be "saleable".
"It beggars [belief] somebody bought those salmon fillets after where they had been."
Louis was sentenced to 40 hours' community work.
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