Jail for ram-raid driver
The driver of the car involved in smash and grab ram-raid at a local city liquor store last week has been jailed for 16 months.
David Jonathan Hirawani, 45, from Greerton pleaded guilty to a burglary charge in Tauranga District Court today, and was sentenced by Judge Louis Bidois.
Hirawani was one of the four men charged with burglary after a ram raid on the Thirsty Liquor Store in Chapel St at 3am last Friday, during which numerous bottles of alcohol and packets of cigarettes were stolen.
The ram-raid vehicle was later pulled over by police after it was seen being driven erratically along Welcome Bay Road.
Police evidence against Hirawani included CCTV security footage of the break-in and the stolen items found inside the vehicle.
Hirawani's co-offender Anthony Wilson, 28, has also been jailed for 16 months after he pleaded guilty to burglary charge in Tauranga District Court on Monday.
Two other Tauranga men have also been charged in relation to the break-in and their matters are still before the court.
