A man who duped people into buying non-existent tussocks on Facebook’s Marketplace was told living a life within the law was the best way to honour the lives of his dead children and nephew.
He appeared for sentencing on six charges of theft under $500, driving away without paying for petrol and three charges of gaining financial advantage by deception.
Judge Brandts-Giesen referred to the summary of facts which stated in November 2021, Henriksen also acted as a purchaser of car tyres, even getting the victim to install them on his car.
The person never received the money for the tyres, despite repeated messages sent to Henriksen.
Henriksen advertised tussocks on Marketplace in April and May last year and received requests from two purchasers paying for 100 and 125 tussocks respectively. However, they never received the tussocks.
Lawyer Scott Williamson said in submissions that Henriksen had not dealt with the loss of his children or his nephew.
Judge Brandts-Giesen said in situations where people got out of control, they did revert to behaviours which saw them get in to difficulty.
"If you really wish to honour the memories of your children and nephew, the way to do that is by living a life within the law and not being an embarrassment to them by being a cheat and a liar and a fraudster."
Henriksen had a criminal record which included dishonesty, violence and traffic offences, Judge Brandts-Giesen said.
He sentenced him to 12 months’ intensive supervision, 160 hours’ community work and ordered him to pay reparation of $2069.76.
