Getaway driver following aggravated robbery of Waverley Black Bull Liquor Store sentenced in Whanganui District Court

Judge Philip Crayton said Levi Warren knew that Bodine Tui and another associate planned to rob the Black Bull Liquor Store in Waverley as he was driving them there. Photo / Stuart Munro

A man has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half months' home detention for his involvement in an aggravated robbery at the Black Bull Liquor Store in Waverley.

Levi Nigel Simon Warren was the getaway driver from the Weraroa Rd store after driving passengers Bodine Tui and another associate to it on March 13 last year.

Inside, Tui threatened a worker who gave him $2000 cash and six pouches of loose tobacco following his demands while a co-defendant took five 12 packs of alcohol.

"While in the car Mr Warren was aware that his associates were going to rob the store," Judge Philip Crayton said at a sentencing indication for Warren on November 29, 2018.

"He had become aware whilst in the vehicle on the way there. He was reluctant to assist, but did so and did drive them away."

Police later searched Warren's property, discovering three cannabis plants growing behind the garage and one in the hot water cupboard.

A loaded .22 rifle was also discovered in the lounge and Warren did not have a firearms license.

Judge Crayton said the cannabis offending was at a low end.

"The possession of a firearm loaded is of more concern," the judge said.

"Particularly given the defendant's convictions for possession of an offensive weapon and leaving a firearm loaded endangering a life in 2015 and 2016."

Warren appeared for sentencing in the court last month having pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, possessing cannabis and unlawfully possessing a firearm.

In sentencing Warren, Judge Crayton noted he had managed to put a positive pre-sentence report before the court.

Warren, a former dairy farm worker, referred himself to get treatment for medical, mental health and addiction issues and expressed remorse for his actions.

Judge Crayton sentenced Warren to home detention, ordered him to pay $1211 reparation and remitted $3692.34 worth of fines, converting them into 120 hours' community work.

He also ordered destruction of the cannabis.

"Mr Warren, you would be well advised to ensure you follow through on what you said in the pre-sentence report," Judge Crayton said.

"Any further offending given the fact you have a strike warning against you for this offence, is going to put you in significant jeopardy of a sentence which will engage fully the parole board."