Jarrod Bennett appeared in the Nelson District Court accused of a crime spree across March and April involving the theft of more than $NZD8,000 worth of property.
The court heard that on 4 April, the 26-year-old attended a Pascoes jewellery store in central Nelson and asked to see a particular ring, valued at $NZD2,700.
When a store employee placed the ring on the counter, Bennett snatched it and fled. As reported by the New Zealand Herald, defence lawyer Mark Dollimore said the theft was driven by romantic intent.
“He stole it because he wanted to propose to his partner. It was spontaneous behaviour,” Dollimore said.
Judge Tony Snell accepted that Bennett's apology letter was genuine, and the report noted that, unfortunately, it appears unlikely any marriage will ever materialise.
“You make no excuses for what you did and you say that when you reflected on the victims you now recognise they were affected, particularly the woman in the jewellery store,” he said.
Bennett admitted to charges of robbery by assault and three shoplifting charges committed in March and April. He was sentenced to two years and two months behind bars and will be eligible for parole after serving one-third of the sentence.
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