One charge against SAS soldier withdrawn

File photo / NZ Herald

One of the charges against a SAS soldier facing a court martial has been withdrawn this morning.

The court martial for the soldier accused of stealing Army property resumed today at Papakura Military Camp.

The 29-year-old, a member of the 1st New Zealand SAS Regiment, has denied charges of stealing Defence Force property in relation to two gun sights, a charging handle for a military rifle and a pistol holster and unlawfully possessing Army property in relation to a block of plastic explosive, thunder flashes and ammunition found in his garage.

He has admitted failing to follow written orders by storing a privately-owned gun in his barracks room.

Prosecutor Major Peter Brock said another charge relating to keeping live rounds in service accommodation would be withdrawn, as it could not be proved that the garage where the rounds were found could be considered service accommodation.

During opening statements yesterday, the soldier's defence lawyer, Melinda Mason, said he did not know the items he offered for sale at a Penrose gun shop were Army-owned, as he had personal items that were identical.

He was also unaware of the Defence Force property stored in his garage, she said.

Yesterday the court martial heard from Lee Newman, a sales assistant at the Serious Shooters gun shop, who received an email from the soldier offering 29 military-related items for sale.

He had concerns some were current-issue military gear, so forwarded the email to a contact at Papakura Military Camp.

Evidence was also given by three Military Police officers who searched the soldier's barracks room, garage, vehicle and personal kit after the email was forwarded to a senior army officer.

The court martial, being heard by Judge Christopher J Hodson and a panel of three military members, began yesterday and is expected to end tomorrow.