AUNT GRASSES UP NEPHEW

A Christchurch man has been jailed after his aunt reported him for stealing
her cannabis plants.

Joshua Peter Tamati Brennan, 20, appeared in Christchurch District Court
yesterday for sentencing on charges of burglary and driving while
disqualified. The court heard he and a co-offender broke into Brennan's
aunt's glasshouse and stole cannabis plants.

Brennan, who was caught by his aunt, claimed he was under pressure from
others to take the plants.

Defence counsel Denise Johnston said Brennan's aunt felt somewhat
responsible, as she had called police after the incident. Brennan had
readily admitted responsibility to police, and had pleaded guilty.

Judge Graeme Noble said he suspected a drug habit was behind Brennan's long
list of previous convictions.

Last October, Brennan was sentenced to 18 months' supervision rather than a
jail term on burglary and receiving charges, so he could be overseen on a
residential drug and alcohol treatment programme.

He failed to attend any of several appointments made for his initial
assessment.

The judge told Brennan he had escaped jail by a very narrow margin last
time but would not avoid it this time and was jailed for nine months.