Wetsuit gets burglar into hot water

Unfortunately for Benton Marni Broughton, it wasn't a wave that caught him as he walked down a central Nelson street wearing a wetsuit and carrying a surfboard - it was the police.

Broughton, 37, of Rangiora, appeared in the Nelson District Court on Friday and admitted the early-morning burglary of the R and R Sport store on the corner of Rutherford and Bridge Sts.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graeme Eden said that at 6.10am on Friday, an associate of Broughton's allegedly smashed a window at the store and took several items, which he handed to Broughton.

Broughton put on a wetsuit, put a jacket over the top of it and ran off.

He later threw the stolen items he was carrying at a police car before being pepper-sprayed and running off again.

When Broughton was again caught by police, he admitted the burglary and said he was just following the other man.

A total of $1705 worth of goods was stolen, and while they were recovered, they were not in a saleable condition, Mr Eden said.

In a plea to be released on bail Broughton told Judge David McKegg he regretted the crime.

"I would comply with anything to be given the chance."

He apologised for being "foolish and reckless".

"It was the first time I had been out in 12 months. My kids, please, please."

Defence lawyer Tony Bamford said the incident had been a "stupid escapade" fuelled by alcohol.

He said Broughton had a good job as a gibstopper and had complied with all parole conditions since his last prison sentence.

Broughton had been due to see his children this weekend, and wanted the matter to be resolved or dealt with in Christchurch.

Judge McKegg said Broughton was a "repetitive offender", and remanded him in custody to reappear in the Christchurch District Court on Monday.

John Daniel Kelly, 38, of Nelson, is also charged with the burglary. He did not enter a plea when he appeared in the Nelson District Court yesterday.

He was refused bail by Judge Tony Zohrab and remanded in custody until Tuesday on the burglary charge and other unrelated charges.

- © Fairfax NZ News