Date Posted: December 2, 2024, 04:06h.
Last Updated: December 2, 2024, 04:06h.
A man from New Zealand has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to a robbery at Auckland’s SkyCity Casino in September 2023.
Eru Andrew Stevens, aged 58, who has a history of mental illness, including schizophrenia, claimed to be experiencing a schizophrenic episode when he demanded money from the cashier at the SkyCity casino.
“Hand over the money. I’ve got a gun,” he wrote in a note handed to the cashier.
The cashier complied, giving him a stack of NZ$50 bills. When asked how much more money he wanted, Stevens did not respond initially. He swiftly grabbed the stack and left the casino.
Employees estimated that Stevens stole around NZ$50K (US$29,430).
Quick Arrest
Due to Stevens’ known history with law enforcement and his lack of effort to conceal his identity, he was quickly apprehended through surveillance footage.
Initially deemed mentally unfit to enter a plea, Stevens received treatment at a psychiatric facility before pleading guilty to a lesser charge of non-aggravated robbery in November.
Manukau District Court Judge Clare Bennett sentenced Stevens to two years and three months in prison with credit for time served during his psychiatric treatment.
“It’s evident that you have been dealing with mental health issues for a long time. This is not your fault, it’s an illness,” Bennett stated.
Non-aggravated robbery carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Bennett took into account Stevens’ plea and mental health challenges when determining the sentence.
SkyCity Troubles
In September, SkyCity temporarily closed its casino floor for five days to address regulatory violations related to monitoring guests for problem gambling.
An investigation by New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs revealed that SkyCity had failed to adequately monitor a patron who engaged in continuous gambling without detection.
SkyCity acknowledged its failure to fulfill its responsibilities as a responsible gaming host.
SkyCity Auckland boasts over 2,100 slot machines, more than 100 live dealer table games, and three hotels with over 900 guestrooms.
In addition to the Auckland property, SkyCity Entertainment operates venues in Queenstown, Hamilton, and Adelaide.