lame

Airport baggage handler jailed for theft

The New Zealand Herald
28.05.2004


A baggage loader at Auckland International Airport who stole $14,000 worth of goods from luggage was yesterday jailed for nine months.

The sentence on David Richard Thompson, 32, of Papatoetoe, Auckland, should be a warning to others who might abuse their access to plane cargo holds, Manukau District Court Judge David Harvey said.

Defence lawyer Andrew Simpson said Thompson, who had not previously committed a dishonesty offence, confessed when caught and showed investigators the collection of cameras, personal stereos and effects he had taken from stowed luggage.

"He acted almost like a magpie in an Aladdin's Cave -- he didn't dispose of it, he didn't use it. He put them in a box in a cupboard at home. He didn't do it for financial gain."

Thompson himself could not explain why he had done it, but said he was addicted to going through bags, perhaps for "the adrenaline rush", Mr Simpson said.

"Greed is probably the better word -- it offers a more simple and realistic explanation," Judge Harvey said.

"Your offences involved taking things out but people like you who have that position of trust could well do the reverse. In these troubled times, anybody who interferes with airline luggage raises suspicion."

- NZPA

TIMMEEEE

Almost reminds me of that old joke;

Q: How do you know when a kiwi has broken into your house?

A: Your thongs have been stolen and your cat's pregnant!!