A good Samaritan found to be in unlawful possession of a firearm said he kept it "so it wouldn't fall into the hands of worse people".
Good intentions aside, Clinton Arama Martin still earned himself a community work sentence after he pleaded guilty in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday to the possession charge, as well as possession of cannabis oil and utensils.
The .22 calibre semi-automatic rifle, cannabis oil and knives used for the cannabis were found during a police search of Martin's house on August 18.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Stephen Butler said Martin told police he was keeping the gun so it wouldn't fall into worse hands.
Defence lawyer Jamie Waugh said Martin made full admissions to police at the time, and had not done any offending for the past seven years.
He said Martin, an insulation installer, was a habitual cannabis user.
Judge David Cameron sentenced Martin to 90 hours of community work.
The rifle and drug-related paraphernalia were ordered to be destroyed.