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AUCKLAND - A machete-wielding man shot in a raid on an Auckland gunshop has admitted aggravated burglary.
Ricky James Beckham pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery when he appeared in Auckland District Court last year and was remanded in custody for trial.
But he pleaded guilty when the charge was changed last month to aggravated burglary.
He will be sentenced in the High Court in Auckland on February 14.
Police told the Sunday Star Times the change was "simply administrative".
It was not a lesser charge -- both charges carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years jail.
Beckham was shot in the stomach by Gregory Joseph Carvell, 33, of the Small Arms International gunshop in Penrose, with a .45 calibre pistol after he allegedly entered his shop on July 27 last year, waving a machete around and threatening to kill Carvell.
Carvell has been charged with possessing a firearm without lawful, proper or sufficient purposes, and elected for a trial by jury.
He will reappear in the court on February 12 for a pre-depositions hearing.
- NZPA
