A Tokoroa man found attempting to steal chemicals from a Mount Maunganui facility has been sentenced to two years and four months jail as a deterrent to stamp out the 'misery” of methamphetamine in communities.

Graham Maxwell appears for sentencing in Tauranga District Court. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Graham Richard Maxwell, 53, appeared before Judge Paul Geoghegan in Tauranga District Court for sentencing today after pleading guilty in June to one count of burglary, and one of possession of instruments used for burglary.

Maxwell was jointly charged with two others after being arrested around 2.30am on June 10 attempting to steal hydrophosphoric acid from chemical manufacturer Lawter (NZ) Ltd.

After being disturbed by security guards, Maxwell was found by a police dog hiding in a ditch in the Totara Street area, while a co-offender was located in a car some distance away.

Hydrophosphoric acid is a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The instrument charge relates to a power drill and a liquid pump found in Maxwell's possession.

Judge Geoghegan told the court today a starting point of two to three years jail time is appropriate.

Maxwell's lawyer Tony Rickard-Simms argued for a lower starting point of 18 months.

'He is a first time offender for burglary, but the drug is an aggravating feature,” says Tony.

'He was offered some money for drugs to take this job.”

Judge Geoghegan disagreed, saying the theft was pre-planned and if Maxwell was a recidivist the court would still look at an initial sentence of two to three years before considering additional time.

'This is exactly why the court needs to impose a deterrent sentence. The court should take a strong stand to underline that,” says Judge Geoghegan.

'Methamphetamine is a lasting misery in our communities and anything to do with the manufacture of it is to be met with a stern prosecution.

'The fact that this burglary targeted a precursor to methamphetamine put it in a specific category.”

On the burglary charge, Maxwell was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment and 12 months on the possession of instruments, to be served concurrently.

Reparation of $149.86 is also sought for Lawter (NZ) Ltd along with the destruction of the instruments.

Earlier this month, Maxwell's alleged co-offenders had their charges withdrawn by police.