Forde, 41, of 741 East Ruimveldt was charged with breaking into the house of his sister Diane Lewis and stealing food valued at $3,000.
He told the court that he broke into the house and stole the articles because he was hungry. He produced a spoon from his pocket and said that he has it to eat food whenever he gets a chance.
The VC told the court that Forde gained entry to her house by breaking two windows. She added that the defendant is in the habit of threatening her, especially when she does not financially support his ‘weed smoking’ habit.
Police Inspector Stephen Telford asked that the court take into consideration that this was not the first offence for the defendant. Forde was recently released from prison after serving a three-year sentence for a similar matter.
Telford further asked that the sentence be of a duration that would allow the VC and other family members to have some peace from the defendant.
Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson then sentenced Forde to three years imprisonment.
