Soldier sentenced over cannabis oil charges

A New Zealand Defence Force soldier has admitted using and possessing cannabis oil on two different occasions. Photo / Alecia Rousseau

A Linton soldier who admitted using cannabis oil has narrowly escaped being dismissed from service.

Private Jordan William Aldridge, 22, faced a court martial in Linton today and was sentenced to 28 days in a detention centre in Burnham.

He pleaded guilty to five charges relating to the use of cannabis oil and possession of alcohol.

A panel of military members deliberated for more than three hours with the assistance of Judge Anne Gaskill.

Judge Gaskill said although dismissal was warranted, a fellow soldier who had been with Private Aldridge in his vehicle had only been sentenced to 12 days detention for using cannabis.

She said the most important factor when considering an appropriate sentence was the need for deterrence and denunciation for future use of drugs and possession of alcohol.

Private Aldridge needed to be held accountable for his actions due the "serious" nature of his offending.

She and the panel accepted their were no aggravating features relating to the offender but took into account mitigating factors. These included his service record, his early guilty pleas and personal issues.

Judge Gaskill also acknowledged Private Aldridge's parents were present during the proceedings.

She said the decision had been "difficult" but there was no place for drugs in the New Zealand Defence Force.

"Using drugs totally contravenes Defence Force ethos and values."

She told Private Aldridge he was being given a chance to earn back the respect of his colleagues and make the best of this opportunity.

"But if there is any reoffending you will be dismissed."