Joseph Nathan, Staff Writer.
Regan John Clark, a repeat offender with a criminal record spanning 10 pages, has been sentenced in Invercargill District Court. He will serve 22 months in prison after a series of thefts in Invercargill – targeting his ex-partner, her son, local schools, and other properties.
A Pattern of Theft and Threats
Clark’s crime spree began in April 2024, months after his ex-partner ended their turbulent relationship in August 2023 due to his alarming behavior.
On April 13, Clark broke into her Appleby home through a boarded-up window, stealing her 13-year-old son’s Playstation and her bicycle. Although the victim retrieved the items two days later, Clark returned and stole the console again.
His behavior escalated when the pair entered her home together a few days later. After demanding $50 and being refused, Clark became violent—kicking a dent in her dog’s cage, overturning a vacuum cleaner, and grabbing her chin. “What are you going to do, call the cops?” he taunted, threatening to kill her, her son, her dog, and himself.
Targeting Local Properties
By late May, Clark turned his attention to public spaces. He was caught on CCTV stealing an eBike parked outside Pak ‘n’ Save and later took a mountain bike left unlocked outside Southland Girls’ High School.
In June, while sleeping rough, Clark forced his way into St Joseph’s Primary School hall. He stole a laptop and stereo but left fingerprints behind, leading police to him.
Two weeks later, residents of an Ascot property heard loud noises during the night. They awoke to find their stables raided, with items scattered across the driveway. Police recovered a broken beer bottle with Clark’s fingerprints at the scene.
Court Sentencing and Remorse
On Thursday, 9 January, Clark was sentenced to 22 months in prison for burglary, threatening to kill, and property theft. A protection order was issued for his ex-partner, and he was ordered to pay $2,600 in reparations for the stolen items.
Clark’s defense counsel, Isabella Hiroki, presented a letter of remorse, highlighting his willingness to participate in restorative justice and addiction programs.
Judge Mark Williams acknowledged Clark’s extensive criminal history, including 53 previous burglary convictions, but noted his apparent willingness to reform.
The Paper 