Art gallery thief loses appeal

A man who stole a $2 million painting at gunpoint from the Auckland Art Gallery has lost an appeal in Wellington against his convictions.

Ricardo Genovese, 54, claimed that his 1999 trial on aggravated robbery, theft and firearms charges was unfair and that he had been the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

Genovese, also known as Anthony Sannd, was jailed for 16 years and nine months after the 1998 theft of a Tissot painting.

He jemmied the masterpiece from its frame, causing irreparable damage, and demanded a $500,000 ransom for its return.

Genovese was also found guilty of robbing a bank and an Armourguard security van, as well as the theft of two high-powered motorcycles and possession of three firearms.