Members of society deserve to live in a better world without the likes of Henry who came to reap where he did not sow.
With these words, Magistrate Lionel Lindoor on Wednesday sentenced an Eastern Cape man, who brought a multimillion-rand farming trust in Kirkwood to its knees when he stole more than R14 million.
Lindoor deviated from the minimum prescribed sentence of 15 years and handed Harold Henry, 47, a sentence of 18 years imprisonment instead.
For approximately two years, Henry systematically stole from Suenay and Digby White of the Strathmore Farm Trust - until there was not a cent left of the couple's R14 million nest egg.
During a strongly worded sentence, Lindoor said he deviated from the minimum prescribed sentence due to a myriad of aggravating circumstances linked to the case.
Lindoor said Henry abused the couple's trust and quite literally "bit the hand that fed him."
He found the fact that Henry had stolen money that was paid out for a policy after Digby was diagnosed with cancer, "reprehensible."
Lindoor told the court he carefully weighed up Henry's personal circumstances, the nature of the crime, and the interests of society in considering an appropriate sentence.
"The community abhors such crimes. You literally bit the hand that fed you.
"I have taken into account that you are a first offender and that first offenders must be kept out of prison, however, sometimes the court is left with no choice.
"Prisons are not only reserved for criminals who commit violent crimes. You are one of those persons that should be removed from society."
Also read: Theft of millions ruins Kirkwood farming couple
During pre-sentencing procedures, the court was informed that Henry had been diagnosed with a gambling disorder and that his obsession with gambling was the primary factor for committing the crimes.
Lindoor, however said that Henry did not seek any psychological help for his addiction.
He added: "A pathological gambling addiction does not immunize an offender from direct imprisonment."
The Whites said they were more than pleased with the sentence and that they could now finally "close this chapter" and start to rebuild their lives.
Suenay earlier told the court how the theft had brought the couple to their knees, emotionally and financially.
They have had to rely on help from family members and they still owe their creditors and SARS millions.
"He did not just steal R14 million. He stole the legacy we tried to build for our kids.
"He left us with nothing and we won't be able to recoup anything. We have to start from scratch. We trusted him," she said.
The state was represented by Advocate Lise Keech.
Also read: Man who stole millions from Kirkwood farmers diagnosed with gambling disorder
