New Zealand war hero saved from jail
An 84-year-old New Zealand war hero facing his 47th charge of shoplifting avoided a prison sentence today, although he came to court with his bags packed.
Reginald Donovan won the Military Medal for gallantry during the Second World War but has since become a problem for store owners in the South Island city of Christchurch because of a shoplifting habit his lawyer said was the result of an old head injury.
Donovan was sent to prison last year on similar charges but continued to offend, Judge Michael Crosbie said in the Christchurch District Court.
“There comes a point at which enough’s enough,” Crosbie said.
The judge said there was “no rhyme or reason” for Donovan’s offending but his lawyer, Denise Johnston, said his behaviour was the result of a psychological illness, head injury and alcoholism.
Crosbie sentenced Donovan to six months’ supervision, when he would be expected to receive treatment and counselling.
