Police found the sawn-off shotgun and rounds of ammunition at Edwards’ property and when spoken to by officers, she said she wanted to deter her partner from continually beating her up.
Edwards appeared before Judge Diedre Orchard in the Whangārei District Court with her partner, who was in court to support her. The judge addressed them both on their violence toward each other.
“This violence goes both ways... it is obvious you need to work on yourselves.”
Judge Orchard gave Edwards a sentence indication of home detention in January 2023, however at sentencing, acknowledged her starting point should have been higher.
“I have to say, on reviewing this file, I was startled by my own generosity.
“I was influenced by the fact guns of this type are generally found in the hands of people who are likely to be involved in robberies or drug offending but in this case, you had possessed this pistol to deter your partner from further acts of violence against you.
“It was your intention to use this firearm against someone.”
Judge Orchard said Edwards was a mature woman who had engaged well with probation and genuinely wanted to work on her relationship.
“You are showing much more maturity in attitude towards your relationship. You’re getting a chance here because you might find yourself in prison.
“Take this opportunity that’s offered to you. Violence in your relationship needs to be a thing of the past.”
Edwards was sentenced to four months’ home detention and the couple were warned not to associate with each other until work had been done on their relationship.
