Tue, 15 Sep 2009 9:12p.m.
A cross-dressing bank robber was yesterday granted his wish to be returned to jail.
James Shevan Cassidy, 34, robbed two Manawatu banks so he could go back inside, Palmerston North District Court was told, The Manawatu Standard reported.
"I was released from prison in 2007 and I knew nothing else so I wanted to come back to prison, Your Honour," the unemployed Marton man who has identified as a woman for the past five years, told Judge Gerard Lynch.
"To the victims I apologise, this was purely a selfish act on my behalf."
Judge Lynch told Cassidy he had had "significant reintegration issues" since his release from prison in 2007.
"You miss the routine, the foundation and stability."
He sentenced Cassidy to five years and eight months' imprisonment for the two robbery charges.
NZPA