A Dickson College student has been fined $1,700 for a shoplifting spree during a school sporting trip to New Zealand.
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Reuben William Wikitera, 18, of Canberra, appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Queenstown District Court on Monday charged with six counts of theft involving clothing, jewellery, greenstone and ski goggles valued at more than $1,600 between August 18 and August 22.
Wikitera, who was arrested last Thursday, was part of a school trip with 18 students and three teachers to Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region.
A shop assistant spotted the teenager stealing a rugby jersey from a store, followed him and called police, who discovered what was described as an "Aladdin's cave" of stolen goods.
Items were stolen from more than five stores in the area.
Judge Phillips said Wikitera consistently lied and was thoroughly dishonest.
"I have been watching you in the dock, you are an arrogant young man, full of self-importance. That's appalling for an 18-year-old. I think the best thing to do is get you out of our country."
Sergeant Grant Gerken said Wikitera denied the offending and when presented with evidence still denied offending, saying most of the items were paid for or were gifts.
Other pupils and teachers returned to Australia on Friday but one teacher stayed behind with Wikitera.
Lawyer Sonia Vidal said the school was considering expelling him and it appeared he was trying to "show off" to his peers.
"This matter is being managed by the school, in accordance with school processes and procedures," School Network Leader Steve Kyburz told Fairfax Media.
Most of the items Wikitera stole were recovered and returned.
This article originally appeared in The Southland Times.