Teen stole $23K car while on bail

A 17-year-old Katikati teenager facing more than 17 charges after going on a burglary spree during which he stole a $23,000 car from a property while the occupants were asleep has been denied bail.

Careel Wayne Redden appeared in Tauranga District Court this week facing a raft of charges, including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry and possession of cannabis.

Redden had previously pleaded guilty to three burglary charges in relation to incidents on August 26 and September 3 when the teenager entered three separate homes during the night taking three cars from the properties, as well as items totalling more than $4000.

He was released on bail to appear for sentencing on October 16.

While on bail Redden admitted to burgling a another property and taking a $23,000 car.

Court documents reveal at about 1am on Friday, September 7, Redden stole $5 from a vehicle parked outside a cafe before entering a Tauranga home where residents were sleeping and taking the vehicle from the property.

Police were called and located Redden underneath a bed at another property. They also found three cannabis ‘tinnies’ in his pocket.

He was taken to Katikati Police Station where he managed to escape police custody.

Police launched a pursuit and Redden was recaptured about an hour later.

Redden appeared in Tauranga District Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

His lawyer sought to have the all charges simultaneously dealt with on October 16. He also sought to reinstate Redden’s bail.

Judge Christopher Harding says the bail request is “completely unreal” and denied bail on the basis that he would most likely reoffend again.

Redden is due to appear for sentencing on October 16.