Woman wants sailors kept in Navy despite attack

HMNZS Taupo. File photo / Northern Advocate

A woman whose family was terrorised by two drunken sailors says she does not want to see the men thrown out of the New Zealand Navy.

The pair, both aged 19, have been sentenced to serve 30 days in a military jail, and upon their release their futures in the Navy will be reviewed, after they smashed windows and tried to force their way into the Nelson family's home about 11.30pm at night.

The two Naval Ratings had earlier been drinking with other sailors at a pub next door while their ship was in port.

Felicity Hurst, who was forced to barricade herself, her teenage children and a young friend in her lounge while the attack took place on October 26, said she would not support the men losing their careers.

She preferred to see efforts put into their rehabilitation, and wanted a chance to meet them face to face to help with her own healing.

"My hunch is this is quite a big learning experience for them," Ms Hurst said.

"These boys obviously had a goal for themselves, that they wanted to become members of our society that helped protect our nation....and if that's the path they wish to continue on, I hope they are allowed to do so."

"Hopefully those young boys will take heed of the lesson, and go on to be good responsible men."

After an investigation by Military Police into the drunken episode, the Naval Ratings yesterday pleaded guilty at a summary trial on board their ship to charges of wilful damage, drunkenness and disobeying a lawful order.

Although the 30 days' detention may not seem long, Navy spokesman Captain Dean McDougall said the time served would be without privileges that might be available in a civilian prison.

"As a consequence of being sentenced to detention.....the whole career of these two young ratings will be reviewed. And we'll decide whether their continued service is required. And given that they have only been in the Navy less than two years, both of them, there isn't a lot to review."

He said the views of Ms Hurst would be taken into account.

"But at the end of the day, we have got to make sure that the people that are working for us abide by our standards and our culture. These two certainly haven't. I would hope that their sentence....will correct that."