A judge has sent a "strong message" by jailing a man caught being driven around Rotorua with a loaded gun.
Brian Michael Roy Whare, 32, was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court to 18 months' jail after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of an offensive weapon, unlawful possession of explosives, possession of a firearm without a licence and breaching community work. A police summary of facts said Whare was a back-seat passenger in a car driven by his partner on February 28.
About 3.15am, the car was pulled over by police in Whittaker Rd, Koutu, his partner was processed for drink-driving and the car impounded. Police found a single-barrelled shotgun under the driver's seat that was loaded with a shotgun cartridge.
Three more shotgun cartridges were found jammed down the rear of the seat.
Judge Maree Mackenzie said Whare had an extensive criminal history. She acknowledged there was no information to suggest Whare was intending to use the firearm to commit another crime.
"Although one can only wonder why you might have been driving around in a vehicle with a loaded firearm if it was for some innocuous reason."
Judge Mackenzie said she had read a long letter from Whare which was "articulate and intelligent. [However] the letter and sentiments would not make me step back from imprisonment."
The judge said home detention was not appropriate. Police were concerned about the proposed address, Whare's history of domestic violence, his drug use and gang associations. Prison was necessary given the gun was loaded, operable and carried in public.
"A strong message needs to be sent to you and others [of the] serious potential for harm."
She also ordered the destruction of the firearm.