A self-described vigilante who slashed the tyres of dozens of cars near Wellington airport has had his prison sentence quashed.
Photo: 123RF
David Johns, 53, was sent to prison for 22 months in April, after admitting a charge of criminal damage and carrying an offensive weapon.
He said he was frustrated by people leaving their cars parked in Miramar streets, rather than paying for parking at the airport, and so slashed the tyres of over 100 vehicles, causing $20,000 worth of damage.
Last week, Johns appealed his sentence in the High Court in Wellington, and his lawyer asked the court to consider home detention instead.
In his decision released today, Justice Simon France quashed his sentence.
He imposed one of four months' community detention, with 250 hours of community work and supervision instead.
Justice France said a prison sentence of that length was excessive, given Johns' offending could be seen as "low-level".
"No one's safety is put at risk, the damage is to property that carries no emotional attachment and the damage is readily fixed," he said.
"I accept, however, that the scale of Mr Johns offending, his vigilante attitude towards it, and the amount of loss caused elevate the seriousness significantly."
