Stolen cards splurge

Drug binge man buys porn DVDs and ride-on mower

A man bought pornographic DVDs and a $4000 ride-on mower on stolen credit cards while on a "serious amphetamine binge", Darwin Magistrate's Court heard yesterday.

"At the time he was severely affected by drugs and has no rational explanation for the sex shop purchases," lawyer Helena Blundell said, referring to the DVDs and personal lubricant bought from a Darwin city business.

Kenneth Jeffrey Brandenburg, of Bakewell, Palmerston, pleaded guilty to receiving the credit cards knowing them to be stolen and nine charges involving forging a signtaure and obtaining goods on three occasions.

Prosecutor Acting Sergeant Dave Moore said Brandenberg, having received two credit cards, used one to buy $55 worth of rum and cola cans from the Cavenagh Hotel on March 30.

He then boughht $195.95 worth of goods from the Love Shop, booked up two rooms at the then-MGM Grand and with a mate guzzled down the contents of two mini-bars (total cost $1086.85)

The next day he went to Big Mower and bought a $4025 ride-on after convincing the business the woman's name on the card was his mother.

"(Brandenberg) had a raging amphetamine habit... and was severely hanging out," Ms Blundell said.

"He was given what was supposed to be methhamphetamine (in exchange for the mower) but he tells me he nearly died," she said.

Brandenberg gave himself up to police on April 28.

Mr Luppino said he did not think Brandenberg could have been completely under the influence of drugs because some planning was required.

The main thing was that Brandenberg had solved his drug problem and he wanted to reward him for that.

Imposing 13 months' jail, the magistrate suspended it immediately on conndition Brandenberg commit no jailable offence for two years.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 30th October 2004
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Bob Watt
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News