William Tidd Sentenced to 43 Months in Prison for Receiving Stolen Property and Other Offenses

William Tidd, a 42-year-old man with a significant methamphetamine addiction, has been sentenced to 43 months in prison for a series of crimes, including receiving stolen property, burglary, and possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentencing came after a court heard detailed victim impact statements and considered Tidd's personal circumstances, including his struggle with addiction and a difficult upbringing.

Stolen Property and Burglary

Tidd was found in possession of nearly $20,000 worth of stolen property, including priceless family heirlooms, from three burglaries in Rotorua. One of the most devastating incidents occurred at the home of Trevor and Rosemary Newbrook on Sumner St, which was later set on fire. Within hours of the arson, Tidd and his partner, Monique Gardiner, were caught attempting to sell the stolen items.

Tidd was originally charged with burglary and arson, but those charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence directly linking him to the fire. However, he pleaded guilty to three counts of receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault, shoplifting, three counts of burglary, and three counts of unlawfully using a bank card.

Victim Impact Statements

In a powerful victim impact statement, Jenny Packman, the daughter of the Newbrooks, described the burglary and arson as a 'total invasion of our lives.' She detailed the emotional trauma her parents endured, including her mother's cancer diagnosis and the death of her daughter-in-law from terminal cancer. Packman also listed some of the stolen items, which included a greenstone mere, a grandmother’s engagement ring, and an unusual pipe.

Tatiana Macfarlane, a victim of commercial property burglaries, also read a victim impact statement, criticizing Tidd for stealing from his own iwi (tribe), highlighting the personal and cultural significance of the stolen items.

Legal Representation and Sentence

Tidd's lawyer, Tim Braithwaite, stated that his client had struggled with a methamphetamine addiction and had developed genuine remorse while in custody. The court took these factors into account, along with his guilty pleas and difficult upbringing, when determining the sentence.

Judge Louis Bidois sentenced Tidd to 43 months in prison, reducing the original starting point of five years and six months by 40%. The judge acknowledged Tidd's remorse and the impact of his addiction on his behavior, but emphasized the severity of the crimes committed against victims.

Community and Legal Reflections

This case underscores the complex interplay between addiction, criminal behavior, and the lasting impact on victims. While Tidd's sentence reflects the gravity of his actions, it also highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues such as substance abuse and personal history in the justice system.

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these crimes, the legal system has once again been called upon to balance accountability with the potential for rehabilitation.