A scrap metal thief has received time in jail, and hospital, after trying to steal live high voltage cable at two sites in Tasmania's Central Highlands.
Graham Christopher Hall [no relation] was looking for scrap metal when he first tried to steal overhead power lines at Hydro Tasmania's Wayatinah Power Station in September last year.
Despite warning signs, Hall tried to cut the wire and received a 22,000 volt shock.
He spent three weeks in hospital with serious burns to his legs and arms.
The day after being released, and still swathed in bandages, Hall cut another live wire at the nearby Tungatinah Power Station.
This time the 34-year-old wasn't injured, but the station was shut for a day, costing Hydro Tasmania more than $200,000.
Hall pleaded guilty to theft and injuring a public utility.
Supreme Court Justice Peter Evans noted that Hall had involved two young friends in his 'criminal stupidity'.
He sentenced Hall to 18 months prison for the second incident, fixing a 12-month non-parole period. [source]
No comments:
Post a Comment