Brother's death and baby lead to changes

The brother of slain Nelson man Troy Minto is turning his life around following his brother's death and the birth of his first child, the Nelson District Court has heard.

Cayden John Minto, 19, was yesterday sentenced to six months in jail, having previously admitted charges of theft and burglary.

He is already in prison for a range of offending, including wounding with intent to injure.

The theft charge related to taking a cashbox containing about $650 from a Nelson business on May 11.

Minto also burgled $8380 worth of property, including jewellery and a stamp collection, from the parents of an associate between June 20 and July 23.

Both offences were committed with other people.

Defence lawyer Mark Dollimore told Judge Tony Zohrab that at a previous court appearance, it had been indicated that any sentence imposed for the offending could be served concurrently with Minto's current sentence, as a compassionate outcome.

Mr Dollimore said Minto appreciated that the theft of the jewellery was hard on the victim, as it was to have been passed down to other family members. He had tried to get the stamps returned, but was disappointed to learn that this had not happened.

Mr Dollimore said he and Minto's family had noticed a change in Minto since he had been in prison, prompted by the death of his brother and the birth of his first child, who he had held only twice.

He had started a carpentry and business course while in prison, as well as working on his literacy and numeracy and undergoing alcohol and drug counselling. He was due to be released at the end of July.

Judge Zohrab said he was sympathetic towards Minto's plight, but also had to have regard for the suffering his victims had gone through.

As well as the prison term, he ordered Minto to pay $3500 reparation, saying it was not realistic for him to pay the full amount.

Judge Zohrab said he hoped Minto could make a fresh start after being released, but he had "grave concerns" about his ability to turn his life around.

- © Fairfax NZ News