Marion Scrymgour’s son Richard Scrymgour pleads guilty to theft, motor charges in Darwin Local Court
An NT politician’s son has landed himself in hot water with the courts again, with the judge slamming his “appalling” record just four months after his latest conviction.
The son of an NT federal politician has landed himself in hot water with the courts again after stealing $500 worth of groceries just four months since his latest conviction.
Richard Maurice Scrymgour, son of Lingiari Labor MP Marion Scrymgour, pleaded guilty to three charges at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.
The charges relate to the theft of more than $500 worth of groceries from Leanyer Woolworths and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle on August 25.
The court heard Scrymgour last appeared in court on April 11 for a Boxing Day assault for which he was sentenced to four months’ jail, suspended after three months.
Scrymgour’s defence lawyer described the latest offending as “absolutely stupid” and said he deeply regretted stealing the groceries.
The court heard the groceries cost at least $518 and comprised mostly of food.
Mr Scrymgour and his partner had taken off with the goods after his card declined, the court was told.
Judge Greg MacDonald was scathing in his dressing down of Scrymgour’s “appalling record”, stating his grandfather Jack Scrymgour would be “disgusted in [his] dishonesty”.
“It’s a source of great shame to his family that [Scrymgour’s] going to Woolworths and acting like a common thief,” the judge said.
The court heard the father of 10 had worked in barramundi farms for the past 20 years and had upcoming funeral responsibilities.
His defence lawyer told the court Scrymgour planned to get clean from drugs and gain full employment.
Judge MacDonald deferred Scrymgour’s sentencing for later this week.
The judge said he would consider placing Scrymgour on a community corrections order.
“A sentence of imprisonment is required in relation to this theft — it’s just a question of do I throw him in again, let him serve full time and let him out without any interventions being involved,” Judge MacDonald said.
“Or alternatively have him work in the community to help him to achieve the things he is talking about.”
A report was sought from the Department of Corrections about Scrymgour’s suitability for home detention and he was remanded in custody.
The maximum penalty for theft is 10 years.
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Originally published as Marion Scrymgour’s son Richard Scrymgour pleads guilty to theft, motor charges in Darwin Local Court
