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A soldier who sold a pistol stolen from Linton military camp's armoury to a gang member for $1000 has been imprisoned for 90 days and dismissed from the force.
Gunner Levi Shane Haye, 19, yesterday pleaded guilty at a court martial to stealing the pistol, the Manawatu Standard reported.
Haye also pleaded guilty to wilfully damaging service property, by removing the pistol's serial number, and selling a firearm to an unauthorised person.
Prosecutor Major Steve Taylor told the court Haye stole a Sig Sauer P226 pistol from the armoury while checking other weapons for cleaning on October 16 last year.
The hearing was told Haye sold the pistol, worth more than $1500, to Dannevirke man Michael Fiti for $1000.
When police and MPs searched Fiti's house they found the pistol hidden down a sofa, and also uncovered Black Power gang patches.
Maj Taylor said Haye admitted the offending during the interview and was cooperative.
"When asked why he took the pistol, the accused stated that it was taken in the heat of the moment and that he did not think twice about doing so."
In sentencing submissions for the prosecution, Captain James Munro said Haye's removal of the serial number indicated he had "an appreciation, at least, that the gun may be used for unlawful purposes".
Defence counsel, Major John West, agreed with the prosecution that dismissal from the army was appropriate but said a prison sentence would be "extreme".
Maj West said Haye had repaid Fiti the $1000, but "gang members are not known to have kind thoughts of those who cooperate with police".
Haye will serve his sentence at the Services Corrective Establishment at Burnham Camp, near Christchurch.
- NZPA
