A Palmerston North couple have been jailed for their actions over the course of a three-day crime spree earlier this year.
Christopher Shaw and Stacey Snelleksz stole cars, clothes and food as they travelled south from Palmerston North with Snelleksz's one year old and three year old children.
Their travels were prompted by their fears that Snelleksz would have her children taken off her.
They were caught in a high speed chase in North Otago during which Shaw shot at a police helicopter and at two constables.
During sentencing in the High Court at Timaru, Justice Fogarty said the couple stole cars, clothes, food and petrol in their travels, but the worst offending involved shooting at police.
He sentenced Shaw to 9 years and 11 months jail, and Snelleksz was sentenced to serve 22 months. He also ordered her to pay $15,000 reparation.
Justice Fogarty told Snelleksz, a fashion designer, that she had plenty to offer society and that he expected her to make amends on her release.
"You are a woman of talent. You are going back into the community soon. You had a business before this offending occurred. I think it is appropriate you should make significant amends.
Snelleksz's lawyer had asked for home detention, saying she had been assaulted while on remand in jail. He said she would spend 23 hours a day in solitary confinement on return to jail to keep her safe.
