Robin Hunter, 43, a local man from Newlands was found guilty of stealing electricity and ordered to pay several fines by the court but avoided jail time.
Magistrate Foldats heard that in May 2015 the RCIPS received a tip that electricity was being stolen at a property location owned by Hunter. During investigations it was revealed that that between March 2011 – June 2015 a total amount of $8,073.72 worth of electricity was illegally abstracted at the Newlands address which is owned by Robin Hunter.
Defense Attorney John Furniss argued that the location is the site of a rental property which had tenants; however because the property is in Hunter’s name he is liable. Furniss further noted that Hunter is not in full time employment and occasionally takes odd jobs.
Magistrate Foldats referred to the Social Enquiry Report (SER), which stated that Hunter preferred to drink and smoke ganja, which he did daily, rather than look for full-time employment. The report found that he was at a high risk of re-offending.
Magistrate Foldats said that if he could afford to buy drinks and drugs then he could pay compensation to CUC.
Foldats ordered $3,650 in compensation to be paid to the utility company within a year and $200 in costs to the Court. Hunter was fined an additional $200 for missing court on a previous date.
The magistrate warned that CUC may decide to pursue Hunter for the rest of the money owed through the Civil Court.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid